MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner are calling for a comprehensive housing study to examine housing needs for Cherokee families across the tribe’s reservation area, including where shortfalls may exist in rental and homeownership opportunities.
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner announced plans for the comprehensive study when they gathered July 3 in Muskogee to celebrate along with Cherokee families who are moving into the tribe’s newest housing subdivision, the ᏓᎿᏫ ᏗᏟᎯ ᏚᎾᏓᏁᎸᎢ (dahnawi ditlihi dunadanelvi) or Warrior Addition.
“The first comprehensive housing study launched in the Cherokee Nation will provide a better understanding of how to create successful, sustainable housing programs well into the future,” Chief Hoskin said. “For decades, the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation has been a cornerstone of our efforts to ensure safe, affordable, quality housing for our people. The Housing Authority’s more than 250 employees have tirelessly worked to provide a range of services aimed at improving the living conditions and overall well-being of our citizens. But to address the housing challenges we continue to face today and those that we could face in the future, we must take an honest look at how our housing programs operate, what gaps still exist, and what resources it will take to address long-term housing needs of the Cherokee people. This comprehensive study will be the cornerstone of how the Cherokee Nation operates its housing programs for years to come.”
In 2019 with approval by the Council of the Cherokee Nation, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner made history by creating the $30 million Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act using revenues from Cherokee Nation Businesses. Then in 2022, the Act was reauthorized at an historic $120 million in funding for housing rehabilitation, emergency housing needs, new construction, rental housing, homes for Cherokee speakers, domestic violence and crisis shelters, and sustainable community efforts.
“In 2019, Deputy Chief Warner and I saw the shortfall of housing funds firsthand. We knew the Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act, coupled with other key legislative initiatives, would help fill some of the funding shortfalls that existed at the time and help us make significant impacts in addressing many of the needs in our Cherokee communities,” Chief Hoskin said. “Despite this record investment in housing, we know there is more to do, and we anxiously await this comprehensive housing study to see what our next steps should be.”
The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation currently has more than 250 homes under construction in the Cherokee Nation Reservation, including new construction and replacement homes for Cherokee elders, speakers, and families.
“Every day we look at how we can improve our housing programs and better serve the Cherokee people who are facing some form of housing instability. Our Housing Authority does a fantastic job of utilizing the resources we have, but we know there is more work to be done,” Deputy Chief Warner said. “It will be greatly beneficial to have this study to serve as a road map into the future.”
The plan’s findings will be due in a report within 60 days.
Following Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner’s housing study announcement Wednesday, Cherokee Nation leaders celebrated the tribe’s new Muskogee housing addition, the ᏓᎿᏫ ᏗᏟᎯ ᏚᎾᏓᏁᎸᎢ (dahnawi ditlihi dunadanelvi) or Warrior Addition. The new neighborhood is named in honor of Cherokee veterans, and 12 homes are move-in ready for Cherokee families.
The Warrior Addition is the first subdivision to be completed and move-in ready under the historic Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act. Each home is three bedrooms, two baths with a two-car garage and more than 1,700 square feet. The homes feature low-maintenance materials, safe rooms in the master closets, generator switch gear, and several energy saving features.
“I’m only 24, so this is a real blessing for me,” said Summer Hudson, who will be one of the first residents moving into the subdivision. “I’m excited to start a family, start a future here. I feel very blessed, that’s all I can say.”
The new subdivision also includes a patriotic-themed playground and additional lots that will allow for future expansion up to a total of 30 homes.
“The Cherokee Nation has done an outstanding job,” said Cecilia Barnett, who will be moving into one of the new homes in the Warrior Addition. “This is my first time walking through the house and I’m beyond happy. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
The Cherokee Nation worked with the City of Muskogee to name each street in honor of a Cherokee veteran: East Jocko Avenue in honor of U.S. Navy Admiral Joseph James “Jocko” Clark; South Birdwell Street in honor of U.S. Army Specialist 5 Dwight Birdwell; South Montgomery Street in honor of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Jack C. Montgomery; and East Joshua Avenue in honor of U.S. Army Master Sergeant Joshua Wheeler.
The new housing subdivision is one of more than 60 Cherokee Nation projects across the reservation worth a combined total of nearly $1.2 billion, representing the largest single capital investment in Cherokee Nation history.