Cherokee Nation Launches Gadugi Corps “Day On” Employee Volunteer Program

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. recently signed an executive order establishing the Gadugi Corps "Day On" Employee Volunteer Program, giving employees one paid day per calendar year to participate in approved community service activities.

"This initiative builds on Cherokee Nation's ongoing commitment to volunteerism and national service," Chief Hoskin said. "This program will give employees a structured way and dedicated time to give back to the communities that they live and serve in. Gadugi Corps has already been a huge success and I can't wait to see our employees joining in."

The "Day On" program is organized through the tribe's Gadugi Corps volunteer and national service program, which started as a concept in 2023 as a major part of the Hoskin/Warner second term initiatives through an executive order establishing a task force on volunteerism. Later that same year, the Gadugi Corps Volunteer and National Service Act of 2023 was signed into law.

In early 2026, Gadugi Corps transitioned to operate as an independent department within the tribe.

"What a wonderful addition to the great vision that was presented to us in 2023 of more opportunities for us as Cherokees to utilize that desire and insistence to find a way to help," Gadugi Corps Executive Director Shawn Crittenden said. "We will be so honored to work with our fellow Cherokee Nation employees to simply do a lot of good for fellow citizens and communities."

Gadugi Corps has grown its database to over 8,000 volunteers.

"Gadugi Corps is working together, and everybody has a calling and we have the best in the business," District 9 Councilor Clifton Hughes said. "On behalf of the Council of the Cherokee Nation, I want to thank Chief Hoskin, Deputy Chief Warner and Shawn Crittenden for their work on this."

Cherokee Nation government employees have been provided with additional details for participating in the program and can visit with Cherokee Nation Human Resources for more information. Cherokee Nation Businesses, Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation and other entities of the tribe will also adopt the "Day On" policy in their workforce.