Victoria Proctor is Miss Keetoowah Cherokee; Alyssia Jones is Junior Miss Keetoowah

Victoria Proctor, 19, of Tahlequah was crowned Miss Keetoowah Cherokee 2009-2010 at the Miss Keetoowah Cherokee pageant Friday, September 18. Miss Proctor is from Tahlequah and attends Northeastern State University. She is a sophomore majoring in Mass Communications and Public Relations. Victoria is a member of the President's Leadership Class; Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority; Riverhawk Ambassador, Northeastern Activities Board; NSU Heart Association; and a Peer Instructor. She was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Freshmen. Victoria is of the Long Hair Clan; her parents are Perry and Vickie Proctor. Read More.

UKB Tribal Enrollment Department Still Taking Address Changes

The UKB Tribal Enrollment Department will continue to take address changes in preparation for an upcoming special election to amend the UKB Tribal Constitution. It is important to have current addresses for all UKB members, and all members are encouraged to contact the enrollment office as soon as possible.

If your mailing address has changed in the last six (6) months, please come to the UKB Enrollment Office and update your mailing address so you will receive a ballot for voting in a special election.

This will be a Federal Election completely conducted by the United States Government using their election guidelines. All eligible UKB Voters including those who are 18 years of age or older or will be 18 on/by the date of this election, will be allowed to vote.

Voting will be by absentee ballot. Your current address is necessary in order for you to receive a ballot from the B.I.A. Along with your ballot you will receive a self-addressed stamped envelop for mailing your vote to the B.I.A. The date of this election is unknown at this time. For more information, contact the UKB Enrollment Office at (918) 453-9375.

Free Keetoowah Cherokee Language Class Offered at Kenwood School

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma will be offering a series of Keetoowah Cherokee Language Classes in Kenwood. The classes will begin on Thursday, September 10 and will be held every Thursday evening for 10 weeks from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kenwood School Library. Durbin Feeling will be the instructor. The classes are free of charge. For more information, contact UKB Language Coordinator Durbin Feeling (918) 772-4390.

Open Letter to Tribal Members from Chief George Wickliffe

On Wednesday, June 24, 2009 the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs of the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, Larry Echo Hawk issued a favorable decision in our appeal of the Regional Director's denial of our request to have the 76 acre Community Services Parcel accepted into trust on behalf of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Read The Letter.

Attachments - EchoHawk Decision (PDF).

Additional Reading:
Bureau of Indian Affairs ruling equalizes tribes - The Daily Oklahoman 6/26/09 (NewsOK.com)

BIA head's letter raises questions on rights - Tulsa World 6/26/09

Open Letter to Tribal Members

Last Thursday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit issued its ruling that HUD had improperly denied us funding of hundreds of thousands of dollars in housing grants under the Native American Housing Assistance & Self-Determination Act of 1986 (NAHASDA).... Read The Full Letter.

Attachments: Arha Letter - Artman Letter - Hanna Letter - Skibine Letter - 10th Circut HUD Ruling

UKB Wins Housing Appeal and Regains Housing Funding

In a major victory for Indian Country, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit today threw out HUD's interpretation of NAHASDA to require "court jurisdiction" over property in order to qualify for housing funds above minimum levels.

In February 2006, the UKB was notified that HUD would cut funding to the UKB Housing Authority from $800,000 to just $25,000. The Keetoowah Cherokees had been funded since the late 90's, however, sixteen years later, HUD notified the UKB that the tribe was no longer eligible for funds because it lacked the jurisdiction required to receive the funds.... .::READ MORE::.