TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — At the Council of the Cherokee Nation November meeting, an Army veteran was honored, and the council approved a resolution endorsing Chief Hoskin on the Inola Smelter.
The Council unanimously passed a resolution encouraging public and private entities to consult with all tribal nations potentially affected by the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola.
On August 7, Chief Hoskin issued a statement on behalf of Cherokee Nation addressing the growing concerns of the proposed Aluminum Smelter in Inola.
“The Cherokee Nation is concerned about the potential impact of the proposed aluminum smelter project located in Inola near the Cherokee Nation Reservation. Public policy analysis of the proposed smelter's impact to the environment and neighboring tribal communities should be driven by facts, science and stakeholder engagement. On that basis Cherokee Nation calls on private developers and government regulators to consult with Cherokee Nation on the potential impact of the Inola smelter on our reservation…As Cherokee Nation and the public's understanding of the potential impact of the smelter has grown, so too have concerns about the project, community impact and related litigation…”
Chief Hoskin called on engagement from public and private entities involved in the development or regulation of the Inola smelter project.
“This Council resolution supports Chief Hoskin’s August 7 stance on the subject of the Inola Smelter, recognizes the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s sovereign authority over its Reservation lands as well as the need for intergovernmental cooperation to protect the shared natural resources of Northeast Oklahoma. By passing this resolution, the Council urges all applicable state and federal regulatory agencies to engage in full and meaningful consultation with all tribal nations affected,” Speaker of the Council Johnny Jack Kidwell said.
The Council approved a number of other legislative measures at the meeting, including a resolution supporting the construction of a substance use disorder recovery center in Stilwell proposed by Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner.
The Council on Monday also honored one veteran with the Medal of Patriotism during the November meeting of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
Johnny Ray Taylor of Claremore was recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Secretary of Veterans Affairs S. Joe Crittenden for his service and sacrifice to the country.
Taylor entered into the United States Army on May 13, 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and later completed Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Taylor served as a combat engineer while serving as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, an elite speciated air assault division of the army nicknamed the “Screaming Eagles.”
Taylor served in Vietnam with mine sweeps and detonation of traps. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 15, 1969, with the rank of Spc. 4.
During his service, he was awarded with the National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Good Conduct Medal W/Palm.
Each month, the Cherokee Nation recognizes servicemembers for their sacrifices and to demonstrate high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, serve higher per capita than any other ethnic group according to the U.S. Department of Defense.