CATOOSA, Okla. – To help combat what Cherokee Nation leaders call “childcare deserts” across the reservation, the tribe opened a $22 million child development facility in Catoosa, Oklahoma, on Oct. 15.
The 33,600-square-foot facility in Rogers County will house up to 100 children 6 weeks to 12 years old from the region, which includes the nearby Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, one of the tribe’s largest employment centers.
“At Cherokee Nation Businesses, we know that supporting our employees goes beyond the workplace,” said Molly Jarvis, a senior vice president with CNB. “It means recognizing the real-life responsibilities they manage every day, and childcare is a big part of that.”
Hard Rock casino employee and tribal citizen Ben Whitekiller says because he and his wife, Racheal, work different shifts, childcare can be a struggle. He noted that local daycares are often booked.
“Having a place for my kids who are Cherokee to go to really helps,” he said. “This gives us more time to get stuff done around the house and just all around, everyday life.”…