A new path lies before us on the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation.

On Jan. 17, 2025, the United States Department of the Interior officially reaffirmed UKB jurisdiction on the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation. Through a Memorandum Opinion, Interior Solicitor Robert T. Anderson, MOpinion 37084 concludes that the rights over the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation once exercised by the historic Cherokee Nation continue today through both the UKB and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) equally.

It is my hope that this determination ends any misinformation about the relationship between the CNO and UKB. This is the truth: The UKB and CNO are equal successors to the historic Cherokee Nation, equal and independent sovereigns in every way.

This determination creates opportunity. From education to broadband, and to seating a Cherokee delegate in Congress, I am hopeful for a renewed relationship of collaboration between our Tribes.

While this is a moment of great victory for the Keetoowah Cherokee people and for the truth, we know challenges will unfortunately remain. I am clear eyed that the leadership of the CNO has often chosen to stand in the way of progress for the Keetoowah people, and I believe that destructive proclivity is not shared by CNO tribal members.

Now is the time for reconciliation. It is my hope that the elected officials of the CNO will come together in good faith to collaborate with the UKB to protect public safety and advance prosperity and welfare on the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation for the benefit of all Cherokee people.

To my CNO brothers and sisters: your voice is powerful. I call upon you to reach out to your leadership and encourage them to work with the UKB. Tell them to replace hostility with cooperation, division with unity, and conflict with partnership. Together, we can expel the spirit of division that has plagued us far too long and create a shared path forward for future generations.

May God continue to bless the whole of the Cherokee people.

Wado (thank you).