# Cherokee Nation ## Basic Info **Name:** Cherokee Nation  **What is it:** Sovereign, federally recognized first nation that operates as a "nation within a nation" in the United States. Possesses inherent right to self-government and maintains a direct, government-to-government relationship with the US federal government. **Location:** 14-county reservation in northeastern Oklahoma, USA  **Link:**https://www.cherokee.org  **Who is involved:** Citizens of the Cherokee Nation (reservation residents and "at-large" citizens), [[Oklahoma State]] --- ## Entries ### General **[[2026-03-07]]**: [While reading](https://publicsectorjobboard.substack.com/p/this-week-in-public-sector-tech-jobs-1a7) [[Rebecca Heywood]]'s excellent newsletter, I learned about the [Tribal Innovation Summit](https://www.cherokee.org/tribal-innovation-summit/) that took place in February 2026. This fascinating event, organized by the Cherokee Nation and the [[Center for Civic Futures]] in Tulsa, Oklahoma, focused on how AI can advance tribal sovereignty and address Native priorities. Key participants included [Paula Starr](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/paulastarr_yesterday-we-wrapped-up-the-tribal-innovation-activity-7433143887189155840-04X7/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAANcisIBa0fe2j6NYkrlx0grNduDDvnPuKA) (CIO of Cherokee Nation). ### Governance characteristics - **Government structure and sovereignty:** Functions as a constitutional democracy with three branches: Executive (Principal Chief), Legislative (17-member Tribal Council), and Judicial (Supreme Court and District Courts). It is a legal political entity (not a "social club") grounded in historical treaties and the US Supreme Court's classification of tribes as "domestic dependent nations". Has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, environmental, and social services within its territorial boundaries - **Dual citizenship and political rights:** Cherokee citizens hold dual citizenship (Cherokee Nation and the United States) and are residents of the state where they live. They vote in tribal, state, and federal elections, are subject to federal and state taxes, and have access to standard federal programs. - **"At-large" citizens (outside the reservation):** More than half of Cherokee citizens live outside the reservation. They maintain political representation (electing two specific representatives to the 17-members Tribal Council) and access "portable" services such as scholarships. Physical services require the citizen to travel or relocate to the reservation area. - **Economy and funding:** The nation collects its own taxes (tobacco sales, vehicle license plates, etc). The majority of government funding comes from Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB), the tribe's corporate arm operating casinos, healthcare technology, hospitality, and federal contracts. Profits are reinvested directly into citizen services. - **Healthcare and the Indian Health Service (IHS):** The IHS is a **direct medical care delivery system** funded by the federal government, unlike Medicaid (public health insurance). Clinics and hospitals are physical facilities. "At-large" citizens face geographic barriers as the IHS generally does not cover medical costs at private hospitals outside its network.