Cherokee Nation leaders praise recycling push, finish long-running records review and roll out park events

The Cherokee Nation council opened its session with routine departmental reports and brief project updates. Management Resources reported that a recent student recycling competition collected about 1.5 tons of recyclable material, and staff are exploring expanding the program to other schools. "The kids bought in," said Mr. David Moore, who presented the Management Resources report and noted staff will be busy with upcoming groundbreakings for the Cherokee Nation Justice Center and a hospital.

Ginger Reeves of Real Estate Services told the council her office completed a long-running Trust Asset and Accounting Management (TAMs) review that encompassed 12,669 files. Reeves said her staff identified limitations in the federal TAMs system and that the office is working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Department of the Interior on those items. "Their commitment and perseverance has been exceptional," Reeves said of her team.

Sydney Kunck, standing in for the Secretary of Justice and speaking for the Secretary of Natural Resources, summarized recent public events — including fishing activities and a veterans and family day — and said a calendar of programs will take place at the newly opened Wilma P. Maniller Capital Park. "We just published a calendar on our social media, so everybody can come," Kunck said.

No formal actions were taken during these reports. The council moved on after brief questions and acknowledgements from members. The session proceeded to new business and votes later in the meeting.