Cherokee Nation to host Veterans Summits in Vinita, Roland

WHAT:
Cherokee Nation to host its annual Cherokee Veterans Summits honoring those who serve.

WHEN:
Northern Region - Vinita
Tuesday, Nov. 10
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Southern Region - Roland
Thursday, Nov. 12
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHERE:
Northern Region:
Craig County Fairgrounds and Community Center
915 E. Apperson Rd.
Vinita, OK

Southern Region:
Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland
109 Cherokee Blvd.
Roland, OK

WHO:
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner
Council of the Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Nation Cabinet
Cherokee Nation Office of Veterans Affairs
Cherokee veterans

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner will announce a new work group to study and recommend more housing options for Cherokee veterans during the 2026 Cherokee Nation Veterans Summits held November 10 at the Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita and November 12 at the Cherokee Casino Roland.

"This new work group will be instrumental in studying both these federal housing lifelines that can lend to more safe, affordable housing for all those who served within our veteran community," Chief Hoskin said. "Many veterans deal with trauma and housing insecurity and the Cherokee Nation is continuing to take steps to close this gap for our population of citizens."

The new work group will examine Cherokee Nation's access to the federal Native American Direct Loan program to help eligible Native veterans buy or build a home on trust or restricted tribal land as well as its administration of the HUD Vash program that helps pay rent for qualifying veterans experiencing housing insecurity

The Cherokee Nation has a demonstrated history of investing directly in veteran housing and the task force and opportunities for more veteran housing builds on that legacy.

The Mige Glory Addition in Tahlequah stands as a recent example of what is possible when the tribe, federal partners, and local institutions work together. Through the U.S. Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training Program, 21 homes were built for Cherokee veterans. The Cherokee Nation provided 30 acres of land for the housing addition, while the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation supplied materials and essential services throughout construction by the Army National Guard and other military units.

"These recommendations are designed to remove barriers that have long kept veterans from secure, stable homes within their own communities," said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner.

The 2026 Cherokee Nation Veterans Summit will bring together veterans, their families, and tribal program leaders to share information, build connections, and strengthen the network of support available across the reservation.

The Northern Region Veterans Summit will be Nov. 10 at the Craig County Fairgrounds and Community Center in Vinita, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Southern Region Veterans Summit will be Nov. 12 at the Cherokee Casino and Hotel in Roland, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.