Chief Hoskin signs resolution supporting Northeastern State Repatriation Commission, Student Wellness

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed a Council resolution authorizing him to negotiate and execute an agreement with Northeastern State University that would designate NSU as a Public Health and Wellness Higher Education Partner and pave the way for repatriation of tribal archive materials.

The resolution grants Chief Hoskin the authority to engage in discussions and pursue a memorandum of understanding with NSU, potentially paving the way for a decade-long investment in student health, Native student programs and scholarships for Cherokee citizens pursuing careers in the health field.

Under the terms outlined in the agreement, the Cherokee Nation would make an annual donation not to exceed $750,000 from the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act to NSU and/or the NSU Foundation. The commitment spans ten years, with provisions for renewal.

The funds are earmarked across three categories:

• 33% for student physical fitness, student health and safety, and athletics.
• 33% for Native student programs and infrastructure.
• 34% for Cherokee Nation scholarships and grants in the health field.

"This potential agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the Cherokee Nation and NSU as well as the history and community we share," Chief Hoskin said. "This agreement reflects the unwavering commitment to the health, education and well-being of Cherokee citizens that Deputy Chief Warner and I find so important. By investing in student wellness, this will ensure that NSU will continue to be a place where Cherokee people can thrive for generations to come."

This agreement also calls for NSU to establish a "Cherokee Nation/NSU Joint Repatriation Work Group" to explore joint projects on historic preservation and repatriation of records and assets and will issue an annual report on expenses as well as other additional provisions.

"Our Cherokee ancestors believed in sowing seeds in the ground that would produce fruit for generations down the road and that's exactly what we're doing here with this agreement," Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. "This agreement will ensure that we are taking care of our next seven generations and their well-being."

The Public Health and Wellness Fund Act of 2021, amended most recently in 2025, dedicates $100 million is settlement funds from opioid and e-cigarette lawsuits for a variety of public health programs. The act also allocates 10% of revenue generated by the tribe's health system toward public health and wellness programs and services. Since its enactment, the fund has supported major capital projects across the reservation, including the Mary L. (Holland) Carson Wellness Center in Stilwell, the Tahlequah Wellness Center slated to open this summer and more.

"Through the Cherokee Nation Public Health and Wellness Partner Initiative, the Cherokee Nation is making a powerful statement that healthy communities begin by investing in individuals. We are deeply honored that Northeastern State University has been selected as a partner in this important work," Dr. Rodney Hanley, Northeastern State University president, said.