Connecting our members to life-changing resources.
COCA is committed to bringing meaningful resources to our tribal members. Here you will find information about voting, our activities, scholarships, and more.
Osiyo,
The Cherokee Nation is providing a one-time payment of $150 through its annual Children’s Clothing Assistance Program to income-eligible Cherokee children residing anywhere in the United States.
Applications are now being accepted through Cherokee Nation Human Services on the tribe’s online Gadugi Portal at https://gadugiportal.cherokee.org until the deadline of Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 5 p.m.
To qualify, applicants must be a Cherokee citizen as of June 18, 2024, and must be under the age of 18 as of June 18, 2024. Household income must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines for household size.
Applications for the assistance program must be complete when submitted on the Gadugi Portal. Processing of applications containing incomplete or incorrect information may be delayed, and applicants may be contacted after the deadline for additional documentation or clarification.
Clothing assistance payments will be made electronically or by paper check after the application has been verified. The applicant’s Cherokee Nation citizenship number, name, and date of birth must match Cherokee Nation Registration records.
For questions about the program, citizens should call the Gadugi Portal Call Center at 918-453-5058 Monday-Friday or via email at support-gadugiportal@cherokee.org.
Like last year, the Children’s Clothing Assistance Program combines the tribe’s annual back-to-school payment and the annual fall/winter coat assistance payment into one program and a single application that provides eligible Cherokee children with a total of $150.
Wado,
Cherokee Nation Human Services
Dear Community Members,
We hope this message finds you well.
We wanted to share an important message we received from our At-Large Tribal Counselor, Johnny Jack Kidwell.
Siyo,
As an At-Large Tribal Councilor, let me tell you: There is a real desire among at-large citizens to not only connect with Cherokee culture but contribute in meaningful ways to Cherokee society.
More than 300,000 Cherokees live outside the reservation. Between in-person events across the U.S. and virtual events like this series, we work to connect every citizen with the culture, services, and opportunities that our Nation provides.
We offer language lessons, scholarships, health care, volunteer events and more – available to every citizen, wherever we are.
I'll see you then,
Johnny Jack Kidwell
At-Large Tribal Councilor
Cherokee Voter Forms
Absentee Ballot Request Form
Download an Absentee Ballot Request Form by clicking the below button.
Voter Registration Form
Your voice matters. Download your voter registration form by clicking the below link.
Cherokee Nation Constitution
Drafted in 1999 and ratified in 2003 by popular vote, Cherokee Nation’s Constitution provides the framework for our tripartite government and tribal laws.
Additional Information
See voting deadlines, election results, how to register to vote, and more.
Posted 25 March 2024
Cherokee Nation Health Services
On November 9, 2023, COCA hosted the Cherokee Nation Health Services Patient Experience Team. The presentation and hand outs from the event are linked below.
Posted 27 November 2023
Cherokee Scholarship Opportunities
Annual Scholarships are awarded to At-Large Cherokee students who are pursuing a higher-education degree.
COCA Scholarship Information
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022/2023 academic year scholarship.
COCA Activities
Red Earth Treefest
For several years, COCA has decorated a Christmas Tree along with numerous tribes that call Oklahoma their home. The trees are decorated with items that are reflective of the Cherokee culture such as small honeysuckle baskets, pucker toe moccasins, pottery ornaments with the Carterville stamp pattern, the Cherokee Nation seal, and a Sequoyah turban tree topper!
Cherokee Cultural Day at the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
COCA volunteers work alongside representatives of the Cherokee Heritage Center to demonstrate and interpret Cherokee cultural arts and traditions including, Cherokee Marbles, hoops, finger weaving, pottery, and language.
Annual Chief’s Visit
Each year (with the exception of the 2020 Pandemic) COCA has hosted the Principal Chief’s visit where he addresses the community and is accompanied by a host of Cherokee Nation dignitaries and services representatives. Area Cherokees learn about the mission and agenda of our government as well as services to At-Large Citizens (tribal tags, hunting and fishing licenses, scholarships, etc.)
Food Pantry
COCA has for several years transported and disbursed Gv-na (Turkeys) during the holiday season to local food pantries for those less fortunate.
Homeland Tour
Bus tour to historic sites within the Cherokee Nation.
ᎦᏓᏲᏍᏗ
The ancient game of Cherokee Marbles is played a the Harn Homestead.
Movie Nights
Our community watched The Cherokee Word for Water, a docudrama on the life and times of our beloved Chief Wilma Mankiller.
At-Large Candidate Forum
During election cycles, COCA hosts a live-streamed candidate town-hall so that citizens might learn more about those who wish to represent us at the Council House.
AARP Tribal Recognition
Several of our community members have been honored at the annual AARP Tribal Elders Honoring.
Working with local organizations
Demonstrations – COCA representatives have provided Cherokee Marbles demonstrations at the Oklahoma Humanities Council’s “CuriosityFest” held at the OCU Law School Campus.
Thought Leadership – COCA Organizers are often interviewed for various news stories and podcasts, and their writings appear in local journals that highlight Cherokee Culture.
American Cancer Society – Coordinated meetings with tribal members to facilitate a donation and support for the building of a patient family facility at OU’s Cancer Center.
International Connections – Coordinated meetings with Oklahoma Musician and Oklahoma Diplomat Kyle Dillingham to represent the Cherokee Nation on his musical goodwill tour of China.