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Cherokee Nation
Posted: Jul 02, 2025 7:57 AMUpdated: Jul 02, 2025 7:57 AM
Cherokee Nation Chief Discusses Major Healthcare, Wellness, and Film Industry Investments
Tom Davis
Appearing pn joined KWON’s Community Connection, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. highlighted some initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and economic opportunity across the tribe’s 14-county reservation.
Chief Hoskin confirmed to KWON that the Cherokee Nation will take over operations of the Claremore Indian Hospital from the federal Indian Health Service on October 1. The tribe plans to invest $255 million in building a new healthcare facility to replace the aging hospital, along with $11 million in short-term upgrades to maintain current services.
The existing hospital sees fewer than four inpatients per day, prompting a shift away from inpatient care but preserving nearly all of the facility’s 387 jobs.
Chief Hoskin then announced a new fitness initiative in partnership with the Greater Tulsa YMCA and other nonprofit gyms. Through the Public Health and Wellness Fitness Partners Grant, Cherokee households are eligible for half-price memberships at participating facilities.
The conversation the Cherokee Nation’s growing role in Oklahoma’s film industry. The tribe recently became the first Native nation in the U.S. to be designated “film ready,” expanding its studio infrastructure and workforce training to support ongoing movie and TV productions.
“We’re building a future where Cherokee youth can find opportunity in the film industry without leaving home,” said Hoskin.
For more information about Cherokee Nation programs, visit cherokee.org.
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