Chief’s Corner: Keetoowah Strength Is Found in Law, Service, and Sovereignty

By Chief Jeff Wacoche

As the seasons shift and spring returns to Keetoowah communities, I’m reminded once again that our greatest strength lies not just in tradition or ceremony, but in action—and in our unwavering commitment to one another.

Across our Keetoowah Cherokee communities, our young people are showing the world what Keetoowah pride looks like. Congratulations to all the local ORES schools that made it to the state tournament—especially the Kenwood and Zion girls, who brought home ORES State Championships. The Sequoyah High School girls basketball team made us proud as 3A state runner-up, and the Cherokee High School girls team of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians captured North Carolina’s 1A State Championship for the second year in a row. These aren’t just wins on the court—they’re victories for all of Indian Country.

But the heart of our strength is found beyond headlines and trophies. It’s found in how we lead, how we serve, and how we continue to stand on the side of integrity, even when others don’t.

On March 3, I attended the American Indian Chamber of Commerce meeting, where Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond delivered remarks as keynote speaker. Drummond, who is running for governor, pledged that if elected, he would govern “by the book and the letter of the law.” If he truly means that, then he may well become one of the United Keetoowah Band’s strongest allies—because we, too, have governed by the book. The law is not our obstacle. It is our foundation. The real challenge has come from those who attempt to bypass it.

March was a month of purposeful service. From distributing meat boxes to hosting cultural programs and engaging in national advocacy, our mission was clear: meet our people where they are and uplift them.

Here’s a glimpse of what the past month has looked like:

• March 4 & 6—Meat box giveaways in Tulsa and Jay.

• March 7—Museum volunteer orientation.

• March 8—A free dump day with Tahlequah Sanitation and the inaugural UKB Veterans Committee meeting.

• March 11—Meat box event in Stilwell.

• March 11–13—I represented UKB in Washington, D.C., during the Tribal Interior Budget Council. I met with the Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and the OJS Director to address the jurisdictional roadblocks our Lighthorse officers face despite their federal training and certifications.

• March 13–20—Continued giveaways, environmental partnerships, historic preservation discussions, youth engagement with Milton Prep School, and cultural events like Stronger Together in Kenwood, where stomp dance, crafts, and stickball reminded us of who we are.

  
  

Every mile driven and every hand extended was a testament to our sovereignty in action.

But even as we serve, we must remain vigilant. On March 10, we were informed by the USDA that our Local Food Purchasing Program agreement will be terminated in 60 days. This decision, like so many federal moves, threatens the well-being of Native families. Yet instead of folding, we’ve responded with resolve. We are actively working with USDA officials, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, and local producers to fight for reinstatement. And our Tribal Council has already stepped up—allocating funds to sustain the program through the end of 2026. That is what responsible leadership looks like.

I invite all citizens to gather with us on Saturday, April 26, at 1 p.m. at Diamondhead Resort. Bring your family and your spirit—we’ll have a hog fry, games, gospel singing, and more. Let’s celebrate who we are.

And finally, I’m proud to share news that could shape our economic future for generations: the National Indian Gaming Commission has approved our 2025 Tribal Gaming Code. This isn’t just bureaucratic progress. It is a declaration that the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma have the right—and now the regulatory framework—to operate gaming on our Indian lands. Not on land held in trust or fee by others. But our own.

This is a watershed moment. Gaming is one tool among many we’re developing to create jobs, generate revenue and fund essential programs for our people. The NIGC’s approval is more than a green light—it is a recognition of the legal and moral clarity we’ve carried for decades. We commend the Commission and the Department of the Interior for standing on that ground with us.

As Chief, I don’t take lightly the responsibility to speak on behalf of our people. And I firmly believe that how we rise to meet each challenge—federal budget cuts, jurisdictional neglect, economic inequity—defines who we are.

We will continue to do things the Keetoowah way. With honor. With persistence. And with a deep and abiding belief that sovereignty is not just a word—it is our birthright.

Wado and I-NE-NA!