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Columns & Opinions
October 26, 2022
Expanding broadband access connects the Cherokee past and future
By Chuck Hoskin Jr.

As we draw near to election day, I urge you to begin making your plans to participate. I encourage all Cherokees to vote, either by going to the polls on November 8 or by voting early or absentee. This election is one of the most important elections that we have faced as Native Americans in the state of Oklahoma. This year every congressional and statewide office is on the ballot, as well as hundreds of important state legislative and local races.

With nearly 272,000 Cherokee citizens in the state of Oklahoma, our votes can make a difference in this election. Almost 10 percent of the Oklahoma population are enrolled citizens in one of the state‚s 39 tribal governments. If we turn out to vote, Native American people in Oklahoma can have a tremendous impact on the future of this state.

Every two years we talk about the need to be more active at the polls. We continue to raise this conversation because so many are still unregistered or do not cast a vote. For our tribe and for Native people nationwide, that represents untapped political power.

It takes time, money and people to register voters, so we created the Cherokee Vote project. This year alone, we have registered a little over 1,500 people by being visible at community gatherings across our reservation and Cherokee events across the country. We are investing to ensure citizens are registered to vote in tribal, state and federal elections, because we know democracy cannot be taken for granted.

We honor our Cherokee Democracy by voting. Until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, most Native people were not counted as U.S. citizens and were denied the right to vote. For most of the 20th Century, Cherokees were denied the right to vote for our own Principal Chief and National Council. Our Cherokee ancestors suffered too long without the right to vote for us to not take it seriously.

We know right here in Oklahoma and across the country, many local elections are decided by just a handful of votes. There is hardly a district in our state where the Native vote cannot decide the outcome, but that requires our participation. Being registered to vote, being informed about the candidates and issues, and making a plan to participate is critical.

Our elected leaders need to know the importance of tribal sovereignty in the state of Oklahoma. In no race is that more important that the Governor‚s race.

Recently, I joined the leaders of the other tribal nations in an endorsement for Joy Hofmeister. When it comes to working with the tribal nations in Oklahoma, she understands our sovereignty is not a partisan issue or a threat, but instead is a chance to thrive together by working together.

Collectively, tribes in Oklahoma have a $15 billion annual economic impact and help create jobs, attract tourism, improve roads, schools, safety, and health care and preserve the environment. We deserve a Governor who values these contributions and partnerships, and one who respects the sovereignty of tribal nations.

The influence of Cherokee Nation citizens over all levels of government is not limited to Oklahoma. With more than 440,000 citizens globally, Cherokee Nation is a powerful voting bloc. When we register and get out the vote, we can make sure elected leaders all over the country know that it‚s important to work with us and respect our sovereign rights.

Voting is a great family activity, where Cherokee children learn the process and know that, no matter where they are, they will always have a voice and a vote in their government, whether it‚s tribal, state or federal.

There are many ways to be involved as an advocate for change. You can volunteer to help a campaign or run for office yourself. You can speak out about important issues in your community. These are all important, but the first and easiest thing that all of us can do is go vote.

For more information regarding the upcoming Oklahoma general election, please visit Oklahoma. gov/Elections, and you can also visit us at our newly updated website found at CherokeeVote.com.

Promoting awareness
A: Main, Main...
Promoting awareness
March 21, 2023
Sallisaw Mayor Ernie Martens this week signed three proclamations declaring National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, Vaping Awareness Month and Alcohol Awareness Month in Sallisaw. On hand for the signin...
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Graffiti found at Brushy School under investigation
A: Main, Main...
Graffiti found at Brushy School under investigation
By Lynn McCulley Staff Writer 
March 21, 2023
Brushy School Superintendent Jared Armer said someone wrote graffiti on the school’s storm shelter and the incident is currently under investigation. Armer, who has served as superintendent of the sch...
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I-40 shooter set for jury trial sounding docket
A: Main, Main...
I-40 shooter set for jury trial sounding docket
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 21, 2023
A Dallas, Texas man who shot two others on Interstate-40 near Vian in July 2021 is scheduled for a 9 a.m. March 23 jury trial sounding docket, according to Sequoyah County court records. Lee B. King, ...
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Sallisaw, Vian residents transported following Sunday accident
A: Main, Main...
Sallisaw, Vian residents transported following Sunday accident
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 21, 2023
Three people were transported Sunday afternoon following a collision on US-64 and 4570 Road, about four miles west of Sallisaw, according to an accident report issued by Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP)....
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Man charged with child sexual abuse
A: Main, Main...
Man charged with child sexual abuse
To appear for docket
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 21, 2023
A Sallisaw man who was originally charged in 2021 with three felony counts of child sexual abuse, one felony count of rape first degree by instrumentation, and two felony counts of rape, first degree,...
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Man charged in fentanyl overdose death of Vian man
A: Main, Main...
Man charged in fentanyl overdose death of Vian man
To appear before Judge Waters
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 21, 2023
A Roland man who was charged in May 2022 with murder in the first degree-felony murder of a Vian man is set to appear before Associate District Judge Kyle Waters on March 22, according to Sequoyah Cou...
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Editor Picks
Resignations accepted by Roland school board
A: Main, Main...
Resignations accepted by Roland school board
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
March 21, 2023
The Roland Board of Education met on March 13 where they discussed and voted on several employment issues. The board accepted the resignations of Ag teacher and FFA advisor Myron Lockwood, Special Edu...
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SEQUOYAH COUNTY SCOREBOARD
Sports
SEQUOYAH COUNTY SCOREBOARD
March 21, 2023
Saturday, March 18 Vian 11, Amber-Pocasset 9 (Ripley Tournament final) Gore 17, Woodland 11 (Pioneer Festival) Friday, March 17 Vian 18, Atoka 12 (Ripley Tournament semifinal) Gore 9, Thomas-Fay-Custe...
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Sequoyah County sports calendar
Sports
Sequoyah County sports calendar
March 21, 2023
All teams listed are high school teams and all schedules are subject to change. THURSDAY, MARCH 23 •Sallisaw, Muldrow and Roland track and field teams at Wilburton (10 a.m.) •Gore track and field team...
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Coleman, Storako power No. 1 OU to Hall of Fame Classic sweep
Sports
OU SOFTBALL
Coleman, Storako power No. 1 OU to Hall of Fame Classic sweep
By Soonersports.com 
March 21, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY — No. 1 Oklahoma completed the Omni Hall of Fame Classic sweep with a 7-1 win over No. 19/22 Auburn Sunday afternoon in OKC. Redshirt senior pitcher Alex Storako twirled a gem in the cir...
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Wolverines win Ripley Tournament Saturday
B: Sports
Wolverines win Ripley Tournament Saturday
By Lea Lessley Sports Writer 
March 21, 2023
The Class 2A ninth-ranked Wolverines went 3-0 last week at the Ripley Tournament to win the tourney for the first time since 2018. Ripley is located about 15 miles southeast of Stillwater. Vian head c...
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