Resources Available to At-Large Cherokee Nation Citizens
Of the more than 450,000 enrolled members of the Cherokee Nation, over 300,000 live “at-large” outside of the Cherokee Nation reservation in present-day Northeastern Oklahoma. At-large citizens are eligible to participate in tribal elections and are represented by the Principal Chief, Deputy Principal Chief, and at-large councilors.
The Cherokee Nation also provides a variety of resources and services to citizens, regardless of where they reside. All citizens are eligible for healthcare at Indian Health Clincs, prescription medication support, cultural and history lectures, language classes, housing grants, and educational scholarships.
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Chuck Hoskin Jr.
PRINCIPAL CHIEF
Chuck Hoskin Jr. serves as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Prior to being elected in 2019, and re-elected in 2023, he was Cherokee Nation’s Secretary of State and also served as a member and Deputy Speaker of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
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Bryan Warner
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CHIEF
Bryan Warner was re-elected in 2023 as the Deputy Principal Chief after previously being elected in 2019. Before becoming Deputy Chief, he represented District 6 on the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
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Julia Coates
AT-LARGE COUNCILOR
Los Angeles, CA
Phone: 918-772-0288
julia-coates@cherokee.org
juliacoates.comJulia Coates is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She is presently serving her fourth term on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. Born in Pryor, Oklahoma and raised in northern California, she holds BAs in Anthropology and English from San Francisco State University, and a PhD in American Studies from the University of New Mexico.
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Johnny Jack Kidwell
AT-LARGE COUNCILOR
Tulsa, OK
Phone: 918-931-1466
johnny-kidwell@cherokee.orgJohnny Jack Kidwell was born in Claremore, OK, and raised in Spavinaw, OK. He attended Spavinaw Public School and graduated from Ketchum High School. Johnny is a proud recipient of the Cherokee Warrior Medal of Patriotism and was inducted into the U. S. Coast Guard OCS “Wall of Gallantry” for distinguished and valiant service during high-risk operations overseas.
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Arts and Crafts
Artistic expression has always been a major part of Cherokee culture, and there are a variety of resources, funding, and opportunities for At-Large members to practice their art or explore what is available. Additionally, the northeast hosts a plethora of art organizations and museums that center both modern and historic Native-made art.
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Citizenship and Registration
East Coast Cherokees is an official At-Large satellite group through Cherokee Nation with our members being enrolled citizens of Cherokee Nation living “at-large” (away from the reservation in Oklahoma). This organization does not process tribal registration nor have records of citizenship, as that is done directly through the Cherokee Nation’s registration office.
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Education and Scholarship
Cherokee students and scholars attend or are employed by academic institutions across the country. While there more scholarship opportunities available to those living in Cherokee Nation, At-Large citizens still have access to a number of funding sources to help students pay for higher education.
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Healthcare and Human Services
Cherokee Citizens are eligible for care at any Indian Health Services (IHS) Clinics in the US, regardless of if they are located in their Tribal territory or not. Additionally, At-Large members are eligible for housing grants through Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs.
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Language and Culture
Cherokee Nation has an expanding list of classes, worksheets, lectures, and other resources for at-large members who want to develop a deeper understanding of the shared culture and language of the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee, and United Keetowah Band.
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Veteran and Elder Resources
Elders are a cornerstone of Cherokee Culture, and the Nation has a variety of outreach and support programs targeted to help elders navigate the health, social, and financial difficulties that can challenge us in our golden years. Cherokee Nation also supports multiple programs to support and celebrate both veterans and active service members and the unique circumstances military service can create.