UKB holds Informational Meeting in the Cooweescoowee District

United Keetoowah Band members from Sperry and surrounding towns and communities within the Cooweescoowee District attended the June 12 Sperry Community Gathering hosted by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. The meeting was held in the gymnasium of the National Guard Armory in Sperry. The Keetoowah Cherokee administration, department directors and staff members shared information in regard to the tribe's future, federal programs and services offered to tribal members. UKB Cooweescoowee District Representative Cliff Wofford was also in attendance to welcome the members. Attendees were treated to a meal and entertained by some of the members of the United Keetoowah Cherokee Youth Choir under the direction of Janice Ballou.

UKB Chief George Wickliffe and Assistant Chief Charles Locust spoke about the future of the United Keetoowah Band and the importance of membership involvement in the Cooweescoowee District. The Cooweescoowee District covers the largest area of the United Keetoowah Band's nine districts. "We haven't reached out this far in the past, but as we grow we want to provide more services to this area. There is a large increase in tribal enrollment, including enrollment in the Cooweescoowee District. This is the reason we came up here, we want to meet with you," stated Chief George Wickliffe There are approximately 13,000 Keetoowah Cherokees enrolled in the tribe.

Assistant Chief Locust informed the members that within the past four years, the Keetoowah Cherokee tribe has increased in voter registration by 150%. Membership is increasing daily. "As a tribe, we feel that we are moving in the right direction. This is why we are here today, to reach out to the members, to let the members know what is available for them, what services we can provide for you and to let you know where the tribe is going," said Assistant Chief Locust.

UKB Federal Programs Director Bryan Shade provided information to the attending tribal members of federal aids available to the members, as well as introducing different department heads as they spoke of their programs and services they provide for tribal members in education, child care, tribal assistance, elderly assistance and tribal victim's assistance. Staff members were on hand after the presentations to answer questions. For more information about the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, call (918) 431-1818.