TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation will host a two-day ‘Expungement Expo’ on May 19-20 at the Chota Center in Tahlequah. The event is open to eligible Cherokee citizens and eligible citizens of other federally recognized tribes seeking to clear their criminal records. Cherokee Nation citizens will also be connected to programs and services that support long-term stability and success.
The inaugural Expungement Expo is being held in partnership with Oklahoma Indian Legal Services and will provide free legal screenings, application assistance and support for filing expungement petitions for criminal convictions in state court under Oklahoma law.
The goal is to reduce barriers to employment, housing, education and financial stability while strengthening Cherokee families and communities.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to move forward and build a better future,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Through this first-ever expungement expo, we are helping remove those barriers and connecting our citizens to the programs and services they need to succeed long-term. This is about strengthening Cherokee families, supporting second chances and investing in the well-being of communities across the Cherokee Nation Reservation.”
The expo will operate as both a legal clinic and coordinated resource fair. Participants will move through a structured process that includes intake, background checks, eligibility screening and petition preparation. Individuals who are not currently eligible for expungement will receive guidance on future eligibility and next steps.
In addition to legal services, attendees will have access to Cherokee Nation programs focused on workforce development, education, health services, housing and reentry support. Participating departments include Career Services, Human Services, Behavioral Health and other programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for Cherokee Nation citizens.
“Our core Cherokee community values teach us to help one another in Gadugi and support one another, and this expo is about strengthening our fellow Cherokees in work, life and stability so I’m glad the tribe can offer this service,” said Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner.
Eligibility for expungement will follow Oklahoma law, federal income guidelines and established screening procedures. Participants must have a qualifying nonviolent offense in state courts, no current probation or deferred sentence, and no outstanding fines or court costs related to the case.
Although many pre-McGirt convictions on records of tribal citizens fall under state law and require state court action, Chief Hoskin says there is a need for tribal law reform in the post McGirt era.
“Cherokee Nation district court judges and defendants need clarity as to our tribal court’s expungement authority,” said Chief Hoskin. “I will work with the Council, our courts and our Attorney General this summer to develop further reforms to our criminal code that gives judges clear expungement authority in appropriate cases and in a manner that is fully transparent.”
Cherokee Nation will cover the cost of required OSBI background checks for participants, helping reduce financial barriers to the expungement process. Participants must bring a valid photo ID — either a state-issued ID or tribal ID — and proof of tribal enrollment.
To expedite services on the date of the clinic, participants are encouraged to complete a telephone intake with Oklahoma Indian Legal Services at 405-943-6457.
The event, held at Chota Conference Center, 3307 S. Seven Clans Ave., in Tahlequah is free.
The Expungement Expo is part of a broader effort to expand access to legal assistance and supportive services across the reservation through regional events and community-based clinics.
For more information or to register, please contact Maggie Glory at (918) 200-3730 or