The Cherokee Nation spent the last year taking its Registration and Photo ID staff to Cherokee citizens living outside of Tahlequah and had nearly 10,000 show up to the various community field events to take advantage of the services.

Cherokee Nation recently hosted more than 20 citizenship registration and photo ID field events across the reservation and parts of Arkansas. More than 9,200 people attended.

“We know that it isn’t always easy for citizens who do not live near Tahlequah to make it in for their photo ID’s or even new citizens wanting to register, so we were hoping with bringing these services right to our citizens in their own communities, this would alleviate those matters,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “I’m proud of the success that these events brought and look forward to continuing to make Cherokee Nation services and programs more convenient for Cherokees across the reservation and off.”

Of the more than 20 events, more than 6,500 photo IDs were issued to Cherokee citizens, and more than 1,000 new citizen applications were received.

Along with the registration applications and photo ID’s, several other departments from the tribe set up informational tables for citizens to learn of opportunities for them.

Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare, as well as the tribe’s GED programs reported to have significant referrals throughout the year. Also, 550 citizens either registered to vote or updated their voter registration at the Cherokee Vote table, as well.

Separate from this regional effort, Cherokee Nation provides citizenship registration and photo ID services to Cherokees across the United States in areas of high concentrations of Cherokee citizens at events held throughout the year.

“I want to thank all of the hard work these departments and programs have put into making these events so successful,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “When we come out into these communities and meet people where they are, it ensures that people have the knowledge and resources to thrive with their tribe. These events are helping us build a stronger, more united future for Cherokees everywhere.”