Cherokee Nation celebrates new Stilwell rental housing for Cherokee elders

STILWELL, Okla. - Cherokee Nation leaders joined Stilwell-area community officials for a move-in celebration July 30 to mark the completion of six new one-bedroom single rental units for Cherokee elders.

The new rental housing units were funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Indian Housing Block Grant. The project is part of Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner's historic housing initiatives ongoing across the tribe's reservation.

"I'm extremely proud to celebrate this project for Cherokee elders," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "In the midst of our ongoing focus on addressing housing needs for Cherokee citizens, this addition is a great asset for the community of Stilwell."

The Dogwood II Addition was designed for Cherokee elders awaiting rental units in the Stilwell area. Each of the six new units are over 900 square feet.

Cherokee Nation leaders joined Stilwell-area community officials for a move-in celebration July 30 to mark the completion of six new one-bedroom single rental units for Cherokee elders.

"Our commitment to investing into housing for Cherokee elders is a crucial part of who we are as a tribe," said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. "It's a great day when we open new doors for Cherokees and take another step forward in addressing our housing needs."

In 2019 with approval by the Council of the Cherokee Nation, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner took a historic step forward in addressing housing security needs by creating the $30 million Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act using revenues from Cherokee Nation Businesses. Then in 2022, the Act was reauthorized at an historic $120 million in funding for housing rehabilitation, emergency housing needs, new construction, rental housing, homes for Cherokee speakers, domestic violence and crisis shelters, and sustainable community efforts.

Aside from the new Dogwood II Addition in Stilwell, the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation has more than 250 homes under construction in the Cherokee Nation Reservation, including new construction and replacement homes for Cherokee elders, speakers, and families.

"It's another great day here in the Cherokee Nation," said District 7 Councilor Joshua Sam. "I'm excited to continue talking about this Stilwell project and working together in the spirit of gadugi. Many different hands come in to make this possible. I want to thank everyone who came together to make this possible for our elders. I'm fortunate to see this project come to fruition in my time on Council. Today we get to come together to celebrate our elders."

Cherokee elders living in the new homes will have access to sidewalks, individual parking pads, handicapped accessible units with roll-in showers, and large covered front porches.

"I really appreciate working with Councilor Sam and everyone who helped bring this project together," said District 8 Councilor Codey Poindexter. "I'm blown away seeing the progress made whenever we work together. Councilor Sam and I work to help everyone, and we believe our elders deserve the best with these new units."

New residents of the home were on hand for the celebration.

Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Bryan Warner speaks during a celebration of new rental units constructed for Cherokee elders in Stilwell.

"I was so excited to hear I got this unit," said Vicki Pathkiller of Stilwell. "It's truly a blessing and thank you so much for doing this."

"I don't know if I've ever been there before, but I might be on cloud nine today," said Isaac Goodrich of Stilwell. "I'm really thankful. The first thing I'll do is arrange my furniture and grab some chairs to sit outside on the different porches."

Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner recently called for a comprehensive housing study to examine housing needs for Cherokee families across the tribe's reservation area, including where shortfalls may exist in rental and homeownership opportunities. The first comprehensive housing study launched in the Cherokee Nation will provide a better understanding of how to create successful, sustainable housing programs well into the future. The plan's findings will be due in a report prior to September 2024.

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