Download Chief Hoskin's speech
TULSA, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner announced Friday the purchase of a property in North Tulsa that will be renovated and converted into community space.
The building, formerly Greater Sunrise Baptist Church, at 1205 E. 46th St. North, sits on more than 10 acres. The building will be leased to the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization to use for meetings and gatherings and eventually include some Cherokee Nation services.
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner announced the purchase at a Black History Month celebration at the Greenwood Cultural Center.
“As Cherokees, we know how important community is. It’s vital for Cherokee community organizations to have a space where they can meet to fellowship, hold events, organize outreach, and dedicated place with resource,” Chief Hoskin said. “Having a home for the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization will serve our Cherokee citizens of North Tulsa and the greater area for years to come.”
The Descendants of Freedmen of the 5 Civilized Tribes and the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization attended the celebration event.
“What a blessing this property is for the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization, but also to the Cherokee Nation,” said Deputy Chief Warner. “When we work together in the spirit of ‘gadugi,’ we find that it benefits us all. This community organization now has a homebase to help so many people in this community stay connected to the Cherokee culture and tribe.”
The community group, which was formed in 2020, had previously been meeting at the Tulsa Dream Center. The community organization plans to serve meals, provide a place for fellowship, have their monthly meetings and be a hub for Cherokee Nation citizens in the area.
“I want to thank the Cherokee Nation so much for having faith in us and helping us reach our desires for the community,” Waynetta Lawrie, President of the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization said.
“I’m proud to support the organizing efforts of Cherokee citizens across District 13,” said local Council member Joe Deere. “This new facility will provide a boost to those great efforts.”
The community organization will move in after the tribe completes some repairs and modifications to the building, said Canaan Duncan, Cherokee Nation deputy secretary of state who oversees the tribe’s community organizations.
“The Cherokee Nation plans to analyze the biggest need in North Tulsa and will place Cherokee Nation departments and resources accordingly in the building,” Duncan said. “I’m glad yet another of our Cherokee organizations has the building space they need. This organization is a great group of Cherokees who are active and want to help the North Tulsa community, and I just can’t wait to see the progress made and the fellowship that will grow here.”
This is the first purchase of 2024 for Cherokee community buildings in the reservation. The Cherokee Nation owns 39 community buildings,10 of which are currently under renovations. In 2023, Cherokee Nation also opened two community buildings in Bowlin Springs and Dewey.