Chief Hoskin to deliver final State of the Nation Address Saturday

WHAT:
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. to deliver his eighth and final State of the Nation Address Saturday as part of the 74th annual Cherokee National Holiday. Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner will term out of office on August 14, 2027.

WHEN:
Saturday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m.

WHERE:
Cherokee National Peace Pavillion
177 S. Water Ave.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464

WHO:
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner
Cherokee Nation Deputy Seretary of State Canaan Duncan
Cherokee Nation Speaker of the Council Johnny Jack Kidwell
Cherokee Nation Businesses Senior VP of External Relations Chuck Hoskin
Pastor Earrak Cotton, Unity Temple Family Church
Pastor Clifton Pettit, House of Praise Church
Cherokee Nation leaders, guests and citizens

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. will deliver his eighth and final State of the Nation Address at 11 a.m. Saturday as part of the 74th annual Cherokee National Holiday, reflecting on a transformative era of language revitalization, record housing investment, expanded health care and a strengthened defense of Cherokee sovereignty.

Across two terms following the 2019 elections, the Hoskin/Warner Administration faced record challenges including a global public health crisis, an aging Cherokee Speaker population, challenges from the state governor and an overnight transformation of its criminal justice system in the wake of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court McGirt decision.

Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner will report on the strong state of the Cherokee Nation highlighting major accomplishments including a record number of construction projects, dedicated hours of language instruction for Cherokee language revitalization, the number of homes built and repaired since 2019, and various other efforts and services to strengthen tribal communities.

Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner will term out of office on August 14, 2027, but Chief Hoskin vows the next 343 days remaining ahead will be 'no season of rest'.

Saturday's ceremony is part of the 74th annual Cherokee National Holiday, which also includes a parade through downtown Tahlequah, Cherokee art vendors, traditional games and inter-tribal powwow.

Speaking as part of the State of the Nation Address is Emcee Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan, remarks from Deputy Chief Warner, Council Speaker Johnny Jack Kidwell, CNB External Relations Sr. VP Chuck Hoskin and performances from Tommy Wildcat, the Cherokee National Youth Choir and the Cherokee Circle Choir.

Chief Hoskin also selected two local pastors to say blessings at the State of the Nation Address.

Pastor Earrak Cotton is currently the Senior Pastor at Unity Temple Family Church in Inola. After a 30-year career with State Farm Insurance, he devoted himself fully to ministry, agricultural outreach and community service. A lifelong farmer and rancher, Pastor Cotton remains committed to serving others.

Leading House of Praise Church and Marble City Food Pantry & Youth Services, Pastor Clifton Pettit has demonstrated great diligence in his community. Marble City Food Pantry &Youth Services has earned the Language Perpetuation and Above & Beyond awards from Community & Cultural Outreach. In 2020, Pettit also became a governing board member for the Cherokee Immersion School.