Cherokee Nation injects over $3.1 billion into Oklahoma economy

Yahoo

04-04-2025

TULSA, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation pumped more than $281 million into the far corner of the state, in Craig, Delaware, and Ottawa counties.
The Tribe released its annual report, which shows that it continually expands its economic footprint through employment, labor income, and production of goods and services, adding more than $3.1 billion annually to the Oklahoma economy.
The Economic Impact Group, an Oklahoma City-based research team, said the tribe is also one of the largest producers, employers, income providers, and purchasers of regional production in northeast Oklahoma.
The total economic output in Ottawa County is nearly $14.1 million, with 114 jobs and $11.4 million in labor income.
Craig County's total economic impact is nearly $25.1 million, with 477 jobs, and nearly $23.3 million in labor income.
Cherokee Nation's total economic output in Delaware County is nearly $242.2 million, with 1,082 jobs, and $54.7 million in labor income.
'Cherokee Nation's economic impact is more than dollars and data.'
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Hoskin said it reflects the Tribe's deep commitment to the prosperity of the Cherokee people and the communities we call home.
During 2023, the fiscal year studied by the economists, the tribe continued its longtime support of increasing education in Oklahoma. The tribal government provided $17.5 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, ensured more than 1,300 Native Americans received vocational training and educational assistance, and provided $7.8 million in contributions of car tag revenues to public schools across northeast Oklahoma.
Cherokee Nation also invested $7.4 million to build or expand its child development centers, provided food vouchers to over 10,000 children during summer, and distributed clothing to over 74,000 school-aged children.
'In addition to illustrating where our dollars go across the reservation and how those investments ripple through our communities, this report reminds us just how far each dollar reaches — creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and building a better future for all,' said Hoskin.
Cherokee Nation directly and indirectly supports more than 23,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages and benefits annually. The tribal government and its businesses purchase more than $536 million in goods and services from local vendors and small businesses in northeast Oklahoma.
Economic Impact Group Report
Cherokee Nation, the largest sovereign tribal government in the country, provides a wide range of services, including health care, career services, human services, education, and housing.
'Cherokee Nation's $3.1 billion impact is a direct reflection of their roots in northeastern Oklahoma, where they support local businesses through vendor purchases and local communities through grants and economic development partnerships, as well as provide local labor markets with a steady demand for workers,' said Russell Evans, founding partner of the Economic Impact Group.
Cherokee Nation funds received through the American Rescue Relief Plan Act generated an additional $189 million impact in Oklahoma. These funds were issued directly to citizens needing hardship assistance or provided to significant programs, including housing construction, community grants, community buildings, employment and vocational training, cultural and language support, first responder efforts, and other priorities.
Evans said the nation's strategic use of one-time federal recovery funds is designed to create an additional long-term impact on the region, ensuring even deeper roots and stronger connections for years to come.
Cherokee Nation Businesses has contributed $1.2 billion to the tribe over the last decade, paid as a cash dividend supporting vital tribal services and programs. Additionally, gaming at Cherokee Nation casinos has resulted in the tribe paying the state more than $500 million in compact fees since 2005.
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