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"Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith works with Cherokee Nation crews to deliver a generator and food to a 101-year-old tribal citizen and her family." TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation has been active in assisting hundreds of victims of the recent ice storm which has plagued northeastern Oklahoma. The tribe acted quickly as backup to city and county emergency management with food, water and other emergency needs. It also responded to calls to help elders in need. “In the spirit of gadugi, we have activated our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to work with other local, county and state emergency centers and shelters to help the victims who are suffering from damages caused by this recent storm,” said Chad Smith, Chief of the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee Nation has provided hundreds of gallons of water as well as food, cots, blankets, heaters and other needed supplies to shelters and to those with special needs. In addition, the tribe sent out more than 40 workers on special assignments to clear downed trees and limbs from roads and driveways. Lou Cummings, her son Dave and Lou’s 101-year-old mother have been without power for several days and learned it would be up to two additional weeks before power would be restored to their rural area. The elder Mrs. Cummings recently had pneumonia and delicate health. Dave made a call to the Cherokee Nation and a crew arrived the same morning with a generator, water, and food. Janet Ward, a Human Services employee, also went along to assess the elder’s needs. “I made a call to the Cherokee Nation and in the same day we had a generator as well as food and water,” Dave Cummings said. “I was really worried about my grandmother, and I greatly appreciated Chief Smith himself coming out and checking on us and bringing us the supplies we needed. Now my grandmother has a warm house to be in. I greatly appreciate Cherokee Nation for doing this for us.” The Cherokee Nation EOC will continue to be activated this weekend taking calls for people seeking disaster related assistance. For information, call 918-453-5212.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org