Cherokee Nation and the American Indian Resource Center Inc. signed an agreement Dec. 17 providing $800,000 from the Cherokee Nation to support AIRC’s Little Cherokee Seeds program in 2026.

The Cherokee identity, in all its rich complexity, grows from common values and a shared cultural heritage. An important aspect of Cherokee culture is encapsulated in the spirit of Gadugi — the recognition of shared hardships and the collective goal of working together for the common good.

Cherokee Nation is proud to do more than offer words of support for Oklahoma educators: We are delivering action. During this week’s annual Public School Appreciation Day, our tribe distributed $7.26 million to 107 public school districts across northeast Oklahoma.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner announced Monday, that the Gadugi Corps volunteer and national service program has grown its volunteer database to nearly 6,000 Cherokee citizens and will launch a new Gadugi Summer program for at-large Cherokees to volunteer.