The Cherokee Nation officially took control of the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital on Wednesday.

The tribe signed a self-governance compact to take over the Indian Health Service hospital. The process took about nine months of work.

“This is a very exciting day, not only for the Cherokee Nation and for Cherokee citizens, but for all Native Americans living in this area,” Melissa Gower of the tribe's health services said at a ceremony yesterday, The Tahlequah Daily Press reported.

The tribe plans to expand services at the facility, which serves members of several tribes in the area. “I can see in five to 10 years more health services to be proud of," Chief Chad Smith said.

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees Indians filed suit this week to stop the transfer. The tribe says it wasn't consulted by the IHS about the decision.

Get the Story:
Tribe takes over Hastings (The Tahlequah Daily Press 10/2)
Cherokees take charge of hospital (The Tulsa World 10/2)

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