The Cherokee Phoenix Editorial Board will meet at 2:30 p.m. CST, July 29, 2019, via conference call. It is an open meeting and the public is welcome to attend by using the conference call information to join the meeting.

Conference Call: 1-866-210-1669

Code: 8520374#

Fifteen years ago, the citizens of Oklahoma approved State Question 712, and the Oklahoma Legislature passed laws permitting the state to enter into gaming “compacts” with the federally recognized Indian tribes located in Oklahoma.

Within a few years, Oklahoma led the nation in the number of tribal gaming casinos and was near the top in terms of gaming revenue. By any measure, Oklahoma’s tribal gaming industry, and its economic impact on our state, have been a huge success and emerged as a big business. As a Cherokee Nation citizen and governor of the great state of Oklahoma, I am proud of what this partnership has accomplished.

Today, tribal gaming is the eighth-largest industry in Oklahoma. We are now the third-largest gaming market in the country, behind only Nevada and California, generating an estimated $4.5 billion in annual revenue for the tribes, and home to the world’s largest casino.

When I first heard it, I didn’t realize it was making an impression on me. I thought I was just watching Saturday morning cartoons. But looking back, “Kill da wabbit! Kill da wabbit!” was probably the first time I remember hearing classical music.

Granted that scene of Elmer Fudd singing to Richard Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” while trying to get Bugs Bunny might make the classic classical music fan nauseated, I found it funny and I liked the music.

There were others, such as Bugs massaging lotion onto Elmer’s head to Gioachino Rossini’s “Barber of Seville Overture,” a young Daffy Duck quacking to Johan Strauss’ “The Blue Danube” and Bugs fleeing Yosemite Sam to Rossini’s “William Tell Overture.”

The Cherokee Nation was recently bestowed a great honor by the U.S. Navy, which has decided to name its latest rescue ship after our tribal nation. The forthcoming USNS Cherokee Nation will be launched in summer of 2021 and will be a testament to the service and contributions the Cherokee people have made to the Navy and Marine Corps.

The naming of a ship is the highest honor the Navy issues, and as patriots of this great country, we are extremely honored by this distinction. It is a true testament to generations of Cherokee men and women who have humbly and bravely served in the United States military.

Career Services’ Day Training has seen more than 6,800 applicants come through in its 10 years.

BRIGGS – Twin Pines Ranch has been selected by Cherokee Nation One Fire Victims Services to conduct Equine Therapy Classes for their clients.

The classes are funded through federal Victims of Crimes Act funds that were awarded in October 2018. The act is a federal law that provides funds in support of a variety of services and activities that assist victims of crime. Equine therapy classes are normally held more in the spring and summer months when weather conditions are more suited for riding.

Owners-Operators: Gwen Jones and Julie Armbrister

Established: Aug. 4, 2018

Location: 1020 E. Tulsa Ave., Kansas, Okla.

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday

Food Types: Homestyle foods, sandwiches, soups and breads, as well as ready-made frozen foods for carryout.

They are to gather information on what the public knows about the human papillomavirus and to further relay information about its vaccination.

The tribe is to fund faculty position for a satellite nursing program at Northeastern State University.

TAHLEQUAH – The local chapter of Oklahomans for Equality held its sixth annual Tahlequality Pride Festival on June 29, and Cherokee Nation citizens participated at almost every level of the event.

CN citizen and director of the march Carden Crow said the group started with a picnic at Norris Park before everyone moved to CN Courthouse Square to begin its pride march through downtown. The event finale was a drag show at Ned’s Pub.

“We’re not quite big enough to hold a parade just yet, but hundreds of us will participate in the march and festival,” Crow said.

For more information on the Tahlequah Chapter’s events and functions, visit the Oklahomans for Equality Facebook page.

Efforts are underway to add more livestock and crops to Hunter’s Home in Park Hill.