Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signs historic Cemeteries Preservation Act

PARK HILL, Okla. - Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed the Cherokee Nation Historic Cemeteries Preservation Act into law recently during a special ceremony at Park Hill Mission Cemetery, marking a significant milestone in the tribe's commitment to honoring ancestors and preserving Cherokee heritage.

The comprehensive legislation, which Chief Hoskin first proposed during his State of the Nation address in August, authorizes $925,000 annually beginning in fiscal year 2026 to identify, document, and restore historic Cherokee cemeteries established between the forced removal of Cherokee people in the 19th century and the turn of the 20th century.

"Our ancestors rest in sacred ground throughout the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and it is our solemn duty to ensure their final resting places are preserved for future generations," Chief Hoskin said. "This Act represents the most comprehensive effort to protect these hallowed sites since the late 1960s. These cemeteries are not just burial grounds - they are living records of our people, our communities, our churches, and our enduring bonds as Cherokee families."

The Act establishes the Cherokee Nation Historic Cemeteries Survey and Preservation Fund, authorized at $750,000 annually. The new fund will support a comprehensive survey of all cemeteries within Cherokee Nation established before statehood, prioritize those cemeteries for repair based on their endangered status and fund repairs. The Act authorizes the Principal Chief to engage third parties to assist with meeting the goals of the fund. The fund will be administered by the Secretary of Natural Resources.

The Act consolidates existing cemetery laws under a single act, authorizing $175,000 annually to continue a cemetery repair and maintenance grant program for individuals and non-profits administered by the tribe's Community and Cultural Outreach program.

"Our cemeteries connect us to our history and to each other. By preserving these sacred places, we honor the memory of those who walked before us and ensure that their stories continue to be told," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "This legislation demonstrates our commitment to protecting Cherokee heritage for the next seven generations."

A comprehensive evaluation of historic Cherokee cemeteries has not been attempted since the issuance of James Tyner and Alice Timmons' 12 volumes of 'Our People and Where They Rest,' published in 1969.

District 3 Councilor Lisa Hall, whose district includes two historical Cherokee burial grounds in Park Hill Mission Cemetery and Ross Cemetery, praised the partnership between the Council and Chief Hoskin.

"The Council recognizes that these burial grounds hold irreplaceable historical significance," said Councilor Hall. "This Act consolidates and strengthens previous preservation efforts while providing the resources needed to conduct the first comprehensive evaluation of Cherokee cemeteries in the last half century. We're proud to support Chief Hoskin's vision for this vital preservation work."

The legislation requires the publication of a comprehensive book documenting Cherokee Nation Historic Cemeteries between 2026 and 2030. All identified historic cemeteries will be designated on the Cherokee Nation Registry of Historic Places.

"As Cherokees, our connection to the land is inseparable from our connection to those who came before us," said Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice. "The Historic Cemeteries Preservation Act ensures that we not only safeguard these sacred sites, but also preserve the cultural knowledge and stories they hold. Through careful stewardship and community partnership, my department will carry forward this responsibility so that future generations understand where we come from and the sacrifices our ancestors made."

The Act also coordinates with existing Cherokee Nation programs, including the Gadugi Corps volunteer program, to encourage community participation in cemetery preservation activities.

Chief Hoskin said that tribal officials will spend the next couple of months developing processes, identifying partners and adapting technological tools in anticipation of a kickoff event this winter.