Guest Opinion. A foundational Cherokee value, known as “detsadageyusesdi,” is to be stingy with one another’s existence, like a mother is with her child. It is no coincidence that when Cherokees think about love and caring for one another, we connect immediately to the bond with our children. They are our most precious responsibility, and they carry within them the future of our Nation.
As we all must look out for one another, our care for children extends to our friends and neighbors throughout northeast Oklahoma. That is why I was honored to accept Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols’ invitation to join the new Tulsa Children’s Cabinet, where we are joining leaders in local government, education, business and philanthropy to improve outcomes for all children in our region.
This initiative by Mayor Nichols seeks to align resources and break down barriers to ensure every child reaches their full potential. Cherokee Nation brings unique strengths and proven programs to this partnership that can help lift up the thousands of Cherokee families who call Tulsa home.
For the good of children and families, Cherokee Nation is already stepping up to fill critical gaps. When the state of Oklahoma declined to participate in a federal summer nutrition program, Cherokee Nation — along with the Muscogee, Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations — took action. Our Summer EBT program ensures that children across our reservation, both tribal and non-tribal, do not go hungry when school is out. This initiative is returning millions of federal tax dollars to Oklahoma families…