As Joe Bunch represented for the last ten years he was a part of monumental events such as; IHS Purchased and Referred Care Program.
Byline: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter
TAHLEQUAH, Okla- As the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma will see a new face for Chief in the upcoming year, Chief Joe Bunch reflects on his term serving the tribe.
Bunch has served as the 11th UKB Tribal Chief for ten years. He has always had this dream of what it would be like to oversee five to ten thousand people. When he came into term as Chief the number, he expected was not it, as there are more than 14,000 enrolled tribal members.
Throughout his term, Bunch was able to bring the unity of the tribal council back. He helped in getting their voices heard, including tribal members. The Land in Trust was a major monumental accomplishment, which Chief assisted in getting. Another accomplishment in Chief’s term was receiving Indian Health Services Purchased and Referred Care Program for exclusive UKB members.
“This program with IHS is a David and Goliath story,” Chief commented.
Chief Bunch also assisted in starting a Food Distribution Program, which he stated the tribe always wanted and needed.
“We are not there yet but working on it in regard to the Local Food Purchase Program,” Chief said.
As the end of his term is nearing, Chief Bunch will miss working for the people, tribal members as well as the elected officials and council.
“The people are what make our tribe, and we certainly have good ones,” Chief stated.
Before his days as Chief come to an end Bunch wants to thank the tribal members for allowing him to represent the tribe for the last ten years.
“Pray for our tribe, leaders, our nation, all of us,” Chief stated. “Until we see each other again.”
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