"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path

"Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith (center) shakes hands with Help In Crisis Executive Director Dena Franke during a ceremony announcing a $50,000 donation to domestic violence shelters and child advocacy centers throughout the Cherokee Nation boundaries. Tribal Councilor Bill John Baker of Tahlequah and Mary Jo Cole of Help In Crisis look on during the agreement."

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The Cherokee Nation donated a total of $50,000 to several child advocacy centers and domestic violence shelters throughout the tribe’s jurisdictional boundaries during a special announcement today at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex in Tahlequah.

Several centers were presented checks during the ceremony, including centers located at Bartlesville, Claremore, Muskogee, Tahlequah and Tulsa.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said working together with these centers from the various communities is a good partnership that helps all residents throughout northeastern Oklahoma.

“We as a tribe know these centers help many who live within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation,” Smith said. “We are glad to be a partner with these groups that help break the cycle of violence.”

The Cherokee Nation recently passed laws to help curb domestic violence, and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service has been a leader in developing domestic violence prevention efforts.

Smith added that prevention efforts are important in the building of strong Cherokee families and strong Cherokee communities, which in turn helps all residents in this area of the state.