Cherokee Nation Celebrates Pride Month, Chief Hoskin adds addendum to Order on Equality

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - On Tuesday, June 2, Cherokee Nation leaders and Tahlequah community members gathered to declare June as Pride Month across the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The tribe celebrated at the newly opened Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park by signing an executive order that adds an addendum to the 2020 Executive Order on Equality, which was expanded in 2024.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. provided keynote remarks before signing the addendum to the 2024 order. He announced the tribe's Equality Advocate, a position recommended by the findings of the 2024 Task Force, as well as providing a formal avenue for executive directors across the tribe to navigate barriers in the workplace for 2SLGBTQ+ identifying employees.

"We are blessed to wake up and say that we are a free people, collectively, we have the ability to shape our families, communities, and tribal nations, a great deal of people across the world don't possess that freedom," said Chief Hoskin. "The question we must ask ourselves is what we are going to do with that freedom, will we lift up all of us and shine a light on those who have faced violence, or turn a blind eye to the experiences of our friends and family. The antidote to generations of suffering ought to be learning about the suffering and dispossession of 2SLGTBQ+. In the Cherokee Nation, there is no compromise to give people their rights."

Government Relations Specialist Maggie Glory was announced as the tribe's first Equality Advocate, which was recommended by the tribe's 2024 Task Force. Glory will serve to identify opportunities to invest in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and identify obstacles experienced by the community.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized as Cherokee Nation's first Equality Advocate," said Glory. "This position will allow me to continue advocating for those experiencing discrimination, isolation, and violence. We now have the authority to create ambassador groups, which will support and provide networking opportunities for marginalized Cherokees, and report obstacles and opportunities for change to the tribe."

District 5 Councilor Dr. Ashley Grant praised the Hoskin/Warner administration for ensuring the tribe continues to celebrate Pride Month.

"Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate our Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Cherokee citizens and to recognize the many ways they strengthen our Nation every single day - as leaders, artists, employees, business owners, veterans, parents, friends, neighbors, and family members," said Councilor Grant. "Their stories are part of the Cherokee story. Today is about showing up for one another, celebrating one another, and reminding each other that every person here is part of the woven fabric of this Nation."

Members of the Intercultural Partnership Council, a local advocacy group that seeks to build supportive relationships with vulnerable communities, attended the celebration. Cherokee Nation partnered with IPC last year to help host its Two Spirit Powwow.

"Our IPC is committed to supporting all who are marginalized and whose voices are frequently left unheard," said Tristan Brave, a representative from IPC. "Cherokee values focus on duty and mutual responsibility, and the intrinsic value of every Cherokee life. We are here to put these values, which have been passed down through time, into practice."

Cultural Curriculum Specialist and Miss International Two Spirit Ahyoka Youngdeer shared her experience from traditional Cherokee practices. Youngdeer was formerly the youngest fluent Cherokee speaker and a graduate of the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program.

"At our grounds, we are reminded of these ceremonial teachings, laws for how we are to treat one another, we're to include all people," said Youngdeer. "You're taught to find something admirable in someone you find most detestable, even if you don't like another person, you are to honor them and hold their existence as sacred. It means the world to me to have our leaders stand up for us."

The signing of the 2026 addendum holds the tribe to formerly recognize each June as Pride Month in the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee Nation has celebrated Pride Month since 2021.

For more information, visit the Addendum to Executive Order on Equality.