TULSA, Okla. — Cherokee Nation now pumps more than $3.1 billion annually into the Oklahoma economy. New research shows the tribe and its businesses continually expand their economic footprint through employment, labor income, production of goods and services, and more.
An economic impact report produced by a third-party entity the Economic Impact Group shows the Cherokee Nation remains one of the state’s biggest economic drivers. Cherokee Nation officials announced the tribe’s latest economic impact numbers today during a luncheon with several state, county and local officials at its entertainment flagship property, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
“Cherokee Nation’s economic impact is about more than dollars and data. It’s a reflection of our deep commitment to the prosperity of the Cherokee people and the communities we call home,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “In addition to illustrating where our dollars go across the reservation and how those investments ripple through our communities, this report reminds us just how far each dollar reaches — creating opportunities, strengthening communities and building a better future for all.”
As the largest sovereign tribal government in the U.S., Cherokee Nation provides an array of services, including health care, career services, human services, education and housing. According to the Economic Impact Group, the tribe is also one of the largest producers, employers, income providers and purchasers of regional production in northeast Oklahoma.
The research study shows Cherokee Nation directly and indirectly supports more than 23,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages and benefits annually. The tribal government and its businesses purchase more than $536 million in goods and services from local vendors and small businesses in northeast Oklahoma.
“Economic impact reports measure how deeply rooted a center of economic activity is in the broader economy,” said Russell Evans, founding partner of the Economic Impact Group. “Cherokee Nation’s $3.1 billion impact is a direct reflection of their roots in northeastern Oklahoma where they support local businesses through vendor purchases and local communities through grants and economic development partnerships, as well as provide local labor markets with a steady demand for workers. The Nation’s strategic use of one-time federal recovery funds is designed to create an additional long-term impact on the region, ensuring even deeper roots and stronger connections for years to come.”
Included as an addendum to the report, Cherokee Nation funds received through the American Rescue Relief Plan Act generated an additional $189 million impact in Oklahoma. These funds were issued directly to citizens in need of hardship assistance or provided to major programs, including housing construction, community grants, community buildings, employment and vocational training, cultural and language support, first responder efforts, and other priorities.
During 2023, the fiscal year studied by the economists, the tribe continued its longtime support of increasing education in Oklahoma. The tribal government provided $17.5 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, ensured more than 1,300 Native Americans received vocational training and educational assistance, and provided $7.8 million in contributions of car tag revenues to public schools across northeast Oklahoma.
In the same year, Cherokee Nation also invested $7.4 million to build or expand its child development centers, provided food vouchers to more than 10,000 children during the summer months, and distributed clothing vouchers to over 74,000 school-aged children.
Cherokee Nation Businesses has contributed $1.2 billion to the tribe over the last decade, paid as a cash dividend in support of vital tribal services and programs. Additionally, gaming at Cherokee Nation casinos has resulted in the tribe paying the state more than $500 million in compact fees since 2005.
“CNB’s mission to broaden and strengthen Cherokee Nation’s economy as we invest, innovate, diversify and grow has always been at the core of everything we do, and it always will be,” said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “As our annual dividend to the tribe, gaming compact fees, investments and more continue to grow every year, it is an absolute honor to see our company’s efforts creating even more of an impact throughout our communities and across Cherokee Nation.”
The report was commissioned by the Cherokee Nation and produced by Evans. The Oklahoma City-based research team, the Economic Impact Group, carefully collected and reviewed data to ensure Cherokee Nation’s impact on the state is accurately presented.
Studies of Cherokee Nation’s economic impact on northeast Oklahoma have been conducted since 2010. For more information, please visit www.cherokeenationimpact.com.