TULSA, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Businesses recently announced an expansion to its family leave policy in support of all new parents. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Warner worked with CNB’s Chief Executive Officer Chuck Garrett to create paid parental and adoption leave for eligible employees of the tribe’s business arm.

The company now offers two weeks of paid leave for adoptive parents and parents whose spouses give birth, providing valuable bonding time for families.

“Cherokee Nation and its businesses continue to lead the way in Oklahoma and across Indian Country in progressive and inclusive workplaces,” said Chief Hoskin. “This is yet another outstanding example of how we remain at the forefront of a much-needed evolution in workforce policies that emphasize the importance of all parents and families.”

The new policy is separate from the company’s maternity leave, which provides mothers time off after childbirth. Parental and adoption leave is now available to eligible full-time employees.

“Our remarkable employees are the keys to our longstanding success,” said Garrett. “Their unwavering dedication allows us to continue growing our businesses and to expand the Cherokee Nation economy, as well as the local economies we operate within. As a leading employer of choice with a global workforce, it is vital that we constantly explore and implement ways to further our support of our incredible personnel.”

CNB continually increases its expansive employee benefits through new policies, additional services such as an employer-sponsored health centers offered at no cost to employees, increased wages and now paid leave time in support of all new parents.

“Cherokee Nation Businesses invests in the brightest and most skillful individuals to ensure each of our brands is successful,” said Stephanie Cipolla, chief human resources officer of CNB. “The addition of paid parental and adoption leave further illustrates our continued commitment to our staff members, our businesses and the citizens of the Cherokee Nation.”

The two weeks of paid leave now offered in support of new parents begins at the birth or adoption of a child and is separate from sick, vacation or paid time off already accrued by employees. Cherokee Nation’s recently expanded Family Leave Policy offers tribal government employees paid leave for birth, adoption and foster care of a child.