CATOOSA, OK – The Cherokee Nation distributed $7.26 million to 107 school districts as part of the tribe’s 2026 Public School Appreciation Day held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. The tribe’s motor vehicle tag (MVT) legislation and compact with the state allocates 38% of its annual car tag revenue directly to education, for schools to use at their discretion.
“Today isn’t just about contributions, but the renewed commitment to invest in public education,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “During the 19th century, our ancestors decided to invest 70 cents of every dollar back into education as they faced incredible odds to their survival. We still do that today through our investment in car tag contributions.”
During his remarks, Chief Hoskin announced that the tribe would be continuing its Summer EBT program. The program assists nearly 45,000 students with summer meals. Since 2002, Cherokee Nation has invested nearly $107 million to public schools in the Cherokee Nation Reservation and contiguous counties through the MVT compact with the state…