{"id":514312,"date":"2026-04-27T00:01:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T05:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/?p=514312"},"modified":"2026-05-03T15:19:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T20:19:54","slug":"chuck-hoskin-cherokee-nation-turns-stewardship-into-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2026\/04\/27\/chuck-hoskin-cherokee-nation-turns-stewardship-into-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation turns stewardship into action"},"content":{"rendered":"<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=476&#038;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1268572535434745%2F&#038;show_text=false&#038;width=267&#038;t=0\" width=\"267\" height=\"476\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowFullScreen=\"true\"><\/iframe>\r\n<figcaption class=\"figure-caption\">Cherokee Nation: <a href=https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/reel\/1268572535434745> \u13a1\u13b6\u13af \u13a0\u13a6\u13ce\u13d9\u13d7 \u2014 #EarthDay<\/a>\r\n<\/figcaption>\r\n<div class=\"h3-responsive font-weight-bold\">Environmental Stewardship Is Community Wellness<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"date\">Monday, April 27, 2026<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"byline\">By Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. <A href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChuckHoskin_Jr\"><I aria-hidden=true class=\"fab fa-twitter\"><\/I><\/A><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"source\">Cherokee Nation<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"source-links\"><A \r\nhref=\"https:\/\/www.cherokee.org\/\">cherokee.org<\/A><\/div>\r\n<P><\/P>\r\nFor the Cherokee people, environmental stewardship is not simply a trend \u2014 it is a responsibility passed down through generations. As we celebrate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/1DoMHxv1By\/\">Earth Day<\/a> with a monthlong series of awareness events, we are reminded that protecting our land, water and air is inseparable from protecting our culture, our citizens and our future.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nIn recent years, the Cherokee Nation has taken decisive steps to protect its natural resources and plan for a sustainable future. The <a href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/chief-hoskin-signs-into-law-cherokee-nation-park-wildlands-fishing-and-hunting-preserve-act-of-2021\">2021 Cherokee Nation Park, Wildlands, Fishing and Hunting Preserve Act<\/a> ensures that public lands across the reservation are safeguarded for generations to come. Complementing that law, we executed a series of executive actions aimed at reducing the tribe\u2019s carbon emissions and improving operational sustainability. We have reduced single-use plastics across tribal government, banned Styrofoam and launched a review of the environmental impact of data centers across the reservation.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nIn 2024, we established both a <a href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/cherokee-nation-launches-youth-climate-change-and-environmental-protection-task-force-survey\">Youth Climate Change Task Force<\/a> and a Clean Energy Task Force, elevating community voices and expert guidance alike to help shape the next chapter of Cherokee Nation sustainability efforts. Those bodies encouraged us to expand recycling availability, among other critical efforts.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCherokeeNation%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0GpoGL1ZGqzDeAyvciLkJZMG4E3BSXPp4Us591KjJYQGFTosufqbwzYts3uPv5qJol&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"250\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\"><\/iframe>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n\r\nOver the past year, the Cherokee Nation has made meaningful progress in turning long-standing values of stewardship into action.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\n\r\nIn 2025 alone, our initiatives avoided nearly 1 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions \u2014 a reflection of practical, community-first solutions that improve everyday life for our citizens. Across the Cherokee Nation Reservation, 16 community buildings generated more than 145,000 kilowatt-hours of solar electricity, lowering utility costs while protecting our environment. We expanded affordable housing through projects such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/cherokee-nation-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-ganohili-housing-subdivision-in-jay\">Ganohili Housing Addition in Jay<\/a>, building energy-efficient homes designed to keep families safe and reduce long-term costs. Facilities like the <a href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/cherokee-nation-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-amo-health-center-in-salina\">Amo Health and Wellness Center in Salina<\/a> now serve as models for sustainable construction, using solar power and healthier building materials to support wellness.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nOur work also addresses the impact of waste. Through our <a href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/cherokee-nation-renews-commitment-to-environmental-leadership-in-honor-of-earth-day\">Food Waste Management Task Force<\/a>, pilot composting programs diverted more than 1,000 pounds of organic waste from landfills and returned it to the soil to fertilize heirloom gardens and support the tribe\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/naturalresources.cherokee.org\/ethnobiology\/seed-bank\/\">seed bank<\/a> growth. Community collection events removed thousands of pounds of electronic and hazardous waste, protecting both the environment and public health.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nAt the same time, we have prioritized direct support for Cherokee families.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nMore than 2,100 households received energy assistance through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cherokee.org\/all-services\/human-services\/family-assistance\/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program\/\">LIHEAP<\/a>, along with weatherization services and indoor air quality improvements. These efforts reflect a simple truth: Environmental sustainability is also social responsibility. It is about ensuring that every Cherokee family has access to safe, affordable and healthy living conditions.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nBuilding on this progress, the <a href=\"https:\/\/naturalresources.cherokee.org\/media\/h31hnqhr\/2025-04-21-cherokee-nation-strategic-energy-plan-final.pdf\">Cherokee Nation released its 2025 Annual Energy Report<\/a>, establishing a long-term strategy to strengthen resilience, reduce costs and prepare for future challenges.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\n<div class=\" content_cards_card content_cards_domain_anadisgoi-com\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"content_cards_image\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_image_link\" href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/chief-hoskin-deputy-chief-warner-propose-new-sustainability-act-ahead-of-earth-day\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/19\/1920x1080_sustainability-2.jpg\" alt=\"Chief Hoskin, Deputy Chief Warner, Propose new Sustainability Act ahead of Earth Day\">\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_title\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_title_link\" href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/chief-hoskin-deputy-chief-warner-propose-new-sustainability-act-ahead-of-earth-day\">\n\t\t\tChief Hoskin, Deputy Chief Warner, Propose new Sustainability Act ahead of Earth Day\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_description\">\n\t\t<a class=\"content_cards_description_link\" href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/chief-hoskin-deputy-chief-warner-propose-new-sustainability-act-ahead-of-earth-day\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"content_cards_site_name\">\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/favicon.ico\" alt=\"Anadisgoi\" class=\"content_cards_favicon\"\/>\t\tAnadisgoi\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nHowever, the work is far from complete. To meet the needs of future generations, we must continue to evolve and invest. That is why I have sent to the Council of the Cherokee Nation a proposal called the <a href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/chief-hoskin-deputy-chief-warner-propose-new-sustainability-act-ahead-of-earth-day\">Cherokee Nation Energy and Sustainability Act of 2026<\/a>. This legislation creates a comprehensive framework to guide energy efficiency, water conservation, recycling and litter reduction across our communities.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nIt also establishes a dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/anadisgoi.com\/index.php\/government-stories\/chief-hoskin-deputy-chief-warner-propose-new-sustainability-act-ahead-of-earth-day\">Office of Energy Programs<\/a> within the Secretary of Natural Resources to coordinate these efforts and sets clear, measurable goals \u2014 including net reductions in energy and water use every three years beginning in 2027. These benchmarks ensure continued accountability while adopting new innovations.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nThe proposed act builds on that momentum by creating a more coordinated and accountable approach to environmental stewardship. It centralizes energy policy and requires clear, measurable goals for recycling, conservation and efficiency through rolling three-year plans beginning in 2027.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheCherokeeNation%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0znKwN4KHhmcwzssLwECRzTWfopVrAjPFJhm8T9oXrhrqR2PWQctHFpuqgouWSDqml&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"644\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\"><\/iframe>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\nThe legislation also mandates ongoing reductions in energy use, water consumption and food waste, and introduces initiatives such as \u201cCherokee Nation Recycles\u201d and \u201cLitter Free Cherokee Nation.\u201d By addressing issues such as light pollution and formally recognizing sustainability efforts as matters of public health, we are aligning environmental responsibility with the well-being of Cherokee communities.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nThis is more than just policy. It is a long-term commitment to our people, as environmental action is a critical step in holistic community wellness. By advancing this legislation, we are honoring our responsibility to both our elders and our youth.<P><\/P>\r\n\r\nTogether, we will protect our natural resources, strengthen our communities and carry forward a legacy of stewardship that defines who we are as Cherokee people.<P><\/P>\r\n<HR><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-3\">\r\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/23\/chuckhoskinavatar.jpg\" alt=\"Chuck Hoskin Jr\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\" class=\"rounded-circle\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"col-md-9\"><EM><A href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChuckHoskin_Jr\">Chuck Hoskin Jr.<\/A> \r\nis the 18th elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest Indian \r\ntribe in the United States. He is only the second elected Principal Chief of the \r\nCherokee Nation from Vinita, the first being Thomas Buffington, who served from \r\n1899-1903. Prior to being elected Principal Chief, Hoskin served as the tribe\u2019s \r\nSecretary of State. He also formerly served as a member of the Council of the \r\nCherokee Nation, representing District 11 for six years.<\/EM><\/div><\/div><HR>\r\n<img src=https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03\/CherokeeNation.jpg width=0 height=0 class=invisible>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Together, we will protect our natural resources, strengthen our communities and carry forward a legacy of stewardship that defines who we are as Cherokee people.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":514358,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,9],"tags":[77,76,127],"class_list":["post-514312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-environment","category-opinion","tag-cherokee","tag-chuck-hoskin","tag-oklahoma","no-wpautop"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03\/CherokeeNation.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcoJ7g-29Nm","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/514312","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=514312"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/514312\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":514359,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/514312\/revisions\/514359"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/514358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=514312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=514312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=514312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}