TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation’s Youth Climate Change and Environmental Protection Task Force has launched a survey to gather input from Cherokee youth about views on climate change and environmental protection efforts.
The Youth Climate Change and Environmental Protection Task Force survey asks Cherokee youth ages 14-24 about their opinions on climate change and how it has impacted them. The results will aid in developing a report addressing concerns felt by young Cherokee citizens and provide recommendations to Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner which may include future programs or projects.
The survey can be found by signing into the Gadugi Portal at https://gadugiportal.cherokee.org/ and selecting "Applications" from the top blue navigation bar. From the Applications page, select "Youth Climate Change and Environmental Protection Task Force Survey" from the list of available programs.
“It is crucial that Cherokee youth have a platform to articulate their views on these matters, and we are eager to listen," Chief Hoskin said. "Our hope is for Cherokee youth to participate in this survey, sharing their perspectives on climate change, environmental protections and suggesting ways in which the Cherokee Nation can enhance its initiatives in combating these challenges.”
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner established the Youth Climate Change and Environmental Protection Task Force earlier this year as part of Chief Hoskin’s “Executive Order on Further Environmental and Climate Change Goals.”
“Our Cherokee values have taught us to continually respect the earth and one another,” said Deputy Warner. “We have a responsibility to respect this gift that the Creator has given us, and our youth have the opportunity to voice how we can shoulder that responsibility.”
In addition to the youth task force, a professional task force of in-house experts across Cherokee Nation departments will be assembled. The panel, led by Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice, will study environmental challenges and recommend solutions.
For this survey, the task force considers citizens between the ages of 12-24 to be a Cherokee Nation youth. The survey takes about 10-30 minutes to complete and will close on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 4:30 p.m.
Youth participants have a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card for participating.
The survey was crafted by the tribe’s Inaugural Climate and Environmental Protection Task Force, overseen by Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice, consisting of:
- Jasmine Hoskin
- Abigail Uganasd Pade
- Shace Duncan
- Emily Pack
- Jaycee Gideon
For citizens who need assistance or have questions, contact the Gadugi call center at 918-453-5058 or email