Chief Hoskin, Deputy Chief Warner announce new senior nutrition site in Stilwell to open in 2025 as part of program expansion

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner announced to Cherokee elders recently the addition of a new senior nutrition site in Stilwell to help serve more Cherokee elders through the Human Services senior nutrition program.

The announcement was part of this year's Cherokee Elders Summit, held over two days in Catoosa and Tahlequah. During the events, attendees visited with members of the tribe's administration and learned more about accessing services provided by the tribe to serve elder Cherokees.

"In the past 50 years, we have been on a path of doing even more for our Cherokee elders. Today we're building on the work of the last five decades. We have more resources now, but the idea is still the same: We must take care of each other through many of the initiatives we're working on at the Cherokee Nation," Chief Hoskin said. "We have a senior nutrition program in many communities, and we know we need more of them. We need to ensure a nutrition program is within reach of every single elder. It is going to take some time to get there, but we are working toward that goal each day, setting our minds on expanding the Human Services senior nutrition program. We are the Cherokee people: We are not standing still. Instead, we are just warming up when it comes to senior nutrition expansion, and adding the Stilwell program is another great step."

The new Stilwell senior nutrition site is expected to be operational in early 2025. The schedule of operations will be 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 W. Division St. in Stilwell.

Existing Cherokee Nation Senior Nutrition sites are located throughout the Reservation and a full list of sites and hours of operations is available online at this link.

"It is very special when Cherokee elders have an opportunity each week to gather together at our senior nutrition program sites," said Deputy Chief Warner. "Along with providing meals, we are also able to connect our elders to other important resources. This is important work, and I'm proud of our Human Services department for its commitment to expanding senior nutrition sites."

Since taking office in 2019, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner have worked to expand tribal services and resources for Cherokee elders. Along with expanding senior nutrition sites, the tribe in 2022 announced a Department of Justice grant earmarking $3 million in funding to better protect Cherokee elders from fraud and elder abuse.

The tribe works through its Human Services department to place staff and advocates throughout the Reservation to assist Cherokee elders. Cherokee Nation Health Services also has staff dedicated to helping patients, including Cherokee elders, navigate the tribe's health system.