"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Emergency Management Team

"Woodrow Ross (left) and CN Principal Chief Chad Smith (right) join in the work effort in delivering water to the Kenwood. A total of 6,500 gallons of drinking water have been delivered by Cherokee Nation Emergency Management thus far to Cherokee communities during this crisis."

TAHLEQUAH, OK — The Cherokee Nation Emergency Management team continued to deliver emergency services and supplies, including 6,500 gallons of drinking water, as the state continues to suffer with massive power outages and a critical drinking water supply.

Tribal health care centers and clinics were operational today in Muskogee, Nowata, Bartlesville, Vinita, Stilwell and Sallisaw. Only the clinics in Salina and Jay were closed, due to power outages.

“More than 69,000 families living in and around the Cherokee Nation have suffered power outages during this winter storm,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. “The folks we have encountered have been very appreciative of the help we have provided during this trying time. It is good to see communities pulling together to help each other without even asking.”

Cherokee Nation officials are working with city and county emergency management teams in areas affected by the winter storm. The Cherokee Nation’s jurisdictional boundary encompasses 14 counties in northeastern Oklahoma. The teams identified the emergency needs of the communities and delivered supplies throughout the day and into the night.

Drinking water was determined to be the most critical need facing many of the communities, as power outages left water pumps unable to operate, leaving area residents without clean water to drink. Nineteen pallets of water totaling 6,500 gallons, were delivered to citizens in Oaks, Leach, Peggs, Kenwood, Twin Oaks, Briggs and Welling communities.

“It’s been pretty rough out here,” said Kenwood resident, and Cherokee Nation citizen, Mary Bendabout. “This water is a welcome sight. We haven’t had any water for four days now.”

Johnny Backwater, who oversees the Cherokee Nation Community Center in Kenwood, thanked the tribe and Principal Chief Smith for the assistance the tribe has given to the residents in the area.

“We’ve been pitching in helping one another out here these past few days,” Backwater said. “That’s what we do out here in our communities. That’s what being Cherokee is about.”

Chandra Littledave, also a Cherokee citizen living in Kenwood, agreed, saying that the residents have been working together removing trees from roads, sharing resources, and most importantly, helping our elders.

“Everyone’s been helping each other during this time,” Littledave said. “We pitch in and help one another out here.”

Tribal officials are encouraging those without power to utilize the shelters established for their respective areas. People living within the Cherokee Nation can call the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, phone: 866-456-9224 for information on shelters, status of tribal health clinics or other emergency information for their areas.