Chief Hoskin announces expansion of tribe’s elder nutrition efforts with up to $2M in additional funding

CATOOSA, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. this week announced an expansion and renewed vision for the tribe's elder services programs, reaffirming a commitment to honor and care for Cherokee elders through responsive, evidence-based action rooted in cultural tradition and respect.

The expansion and renaming of the program will be supported by up to $2 million from the tribe's recently expanded Public Health and Wellness Fund Act and will allow for the launch of up to three new service sites in the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The expansion will begin with the addition of an elder nutrition site at Dewey, which is already home to a Cherokee Nation Human Services satellite office through an ongoing partnership with the Cherokee Cultural Community organization.

Chief Hoskin made the announcement during this year's two Elder Summit events, held in Catoosa and Tahlequah. The two events drew a combined total attendance of more than 2,000 Cherokee elders from around the Reservation.

"Our elders are the foundation of the Cherokee Nation and stewards of our language and traditions," Chief Hoskin said. "Caring for them is not just a responsibility, but a calling rooted in our values. When our elders gather in fellowship, sharing a meal and Cherokee stories, we are preserving community and strengthening identity. The expansion of our nutrition program is both good medicine and a testament to our Nation's commitment to those who have paved the way. By focusing on the needs of our Cherokee elders, we will more closely align with Cherokee nomenclature and values."

Cherokee Nation's two Elder Summit events, held in Catoosa and Tahlequah, drew a combined total attendance of more than 2,000 Cherokee elders from around the Reservation.

Chief Hoskin also announced that beginning Nov. 1, the current Senior Nutrition Program will be renamed the Cherokee Nation Elder Nutrition Program. The decision to rename and expand the program is guided in part by the findings of a detailed 2023 senior nutrition site review, Chief Hoskin said.

While Cherokee Nation will create a new elder nutrition site at Dewey, Secretary of State Shella Bowlin and the tribe's Human Service's leadership will be tasked with recommending up to two additional site locations this fiscal year for further expansion of the Cherokee Nation Elder Nutrition Program. The recommendations will take into account the 2023 senior nutrition site review along with an updated review of population statistics, proximity to Cherokee Nation facilities, relative need for the program, and geographic equity.

Chief Hoskin's plan also aims to increase elder nutrition meal service to five days per week at all sites in the coming year, taking into account local demand and staffing needs.

"Listening to our elders and addressing their needs is foundational to our progress as a Nation," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "Improved nutrition, increased social connection, and sustained support allow Cherokee elders to remain in their homes and communities, where they belong. Through this expansion, we will strengthen food security and reaffirm our promise to support every Cherokee elder with the respect and service they deserve."

Studies show that elder nutrition programs deliver a host of meaningful benefits, including improved nutritional intake, access to vital resources, and essential support enabling elders with functional impairments to continue living independently.

For Cherokee elders, these programs play an even greater role, as communal dining is a cherished tradition.

"We serve between 60 and 90 people, sometimes more, three days a week in Nowata. When we open five days a week, we hope to expand to more elders who can come in and eat," said Cathy Bryant, a cook at the Nowata elder nutrition site.

Bryant and fellow Nowata cook Shelly Carley attended the Elder Summit and said seniors in their area often struggle with finding enough food, so they frequently turn to the Cherokee Nation's elder nutrition meals for help.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. visits with guests during the tribe's annual Cherokee Elder Summit.

"We care for them like our family, and we take good care of them whatever they need," said Bryant.

By the end of Fiscal Year 2026, the tribe will also complete a number of capital and equipment investments at all elder nutrition sites as warranted, according to the administrative memo created by Chief Hoskin. These projects may include repairs, expansions and remodels, and a review of each site and its capital or equipment needs will be completed by Nov. 15, 2025.

The newly named "Elder Nutrition Program" will also include a new pilot grant program to support CCO participating community organizations within the reservation operating existing nutrition programs.

Chief Hoskin also directed each site to complete or schedule specific field trip activities and on-site social or cultural activities by the end of FY26, and said Cherokee Nation will implement Public Health and Wellness Elder Nutrition Partners Grants at up to two sites by January 15, 2026, to provide sustaining support for the two Community and Cultural Outreach-participating organizations chosen for the grant.

Other areas of focus in the coming months include prioritizing improvements in outreach and branding, including enhanced visibility and accessibility on the Cherokee Nation website and at all participating sites.

While speaking to the Cherokee elders Wednesday, Chief Hoskin also reminded Cherokee elders that he and Deputy Chief Warner declared a state of emergency due to food insecurity caused by the federal government shutdown, making over $6.75 million in emergency relief funding available for eligible citizens impacted by the ongoing federal shutdown.

Elders at the site heard from a number of presenters with subject matter expertise on relevant programs and services.

Chief Hoskin's Senior Advisor and Executive Director of Housing Programs, Todd Enlow, discussed housing rehab services and an enhanced "I-Save" program that matches saving account contributions to help with home repairs.