STILWELL, Okla. — Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed the Artist Resiliency Act into law on Friday, permanently establishing Cherokee Nation's commitment to supporting Cherokee artists.
The signing took place at the tribe's Ani Art Center in Stilwell, a facility dedicated to artists and established through the original Artist Recovery Act (ARA).
The new law replaces the temporary ARA, a pandemic-era measure enacted in 2022 that invested $4 million into Cherokee artists.
Over its four years, the ARA funded more than 3,800 hours of art instruction and supported the purchase of over 600 pieces of art from more than 100 Cherokee Nation artists, all of which remain part of the tribe's permanent collections, galleries, and public buildings, including some in the Ani Art Center repository.
"The ARA helped get our Cherokee artists through difficult times during the pandemic," said Chief Hoskin. "The new Artist Resiliency Act shows that as a tribe, we believe in making a sustained commitment to supporting artistic expression and the perpetuation of our art and culture."
The Artist Resiliency Act authorizes three-year funding cycles of $3 million each, with automatic adjustments for inflation in every new cycle. It also strengthens planning and reporting requirements to keep citizens and the Council informed of the law's impact, and establishes an official roster of "Cherokee Nation Artists," complete with a special identification card available to citizens who apply for the designation.
Beyond funding, the law calls for two new pieces of statuary art to be placed in Tahlequah honoring former Chief John Ross, who guided the Cherokee Nation through removal and rebuilding, and Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee syllabary. These additions will join two major works already underway under the original ARA, honoring Chief Wilma Mankiller and the Cherokee Freedmen.
“Our Cherokee artists continue to tell our story and keep our culture alive and it’s important we protect and promote this legacy and future,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. "We have some of the best artists here in the Cherokee Nation and they deserve support by enacting the new Artist Resiliency Act.”
Cherokee Nation Businesses' Cultural Tourism group will continue to manage the programs authorized under the new law, building on its administration of the original ARA.
“We know that before the Trail of Tears, on the trail, and after the Trail, our people were resilient. That’s why we’re here today. Our artists are resilient. We’ve got to do all we can to support those who create art and tell our stories,” said Council Member of the Cherokee Nation for District 7 Joshua Sam.
The signing follows Chief Hoskin's call for the legislation during his Sept. 5, 2026, State of the Nation Address, and reflects the Council's continued commitment to Cherokee artists as stewards of the tribe's history, culture, and language.
“The support from this Administration and Council has been such a blessing and so meaningful. They’ve helped artists make their art and get to shows, so that the artists are free to just focus on their art and creativity. It’s also wonderful that we can continue to have teachers who make an income. I also think of our elders and how that can continue our traditions through art,” said Cherokee National Treasure and potter Jane Osti.