The Cherokee Nation announced new funding Friday for health and wellness programs for community centers.
The Cherokee Nation has its community groups meeting in Catoosa this weekend.
Everyone can get a share of $2.1 million in new funding to encourage healthier living.
There are 86 groups represented to help deliver resources provided by the Cherokee Nation.
Abby McLemore of Chewey works in a town without many other resources.
“If we need something, Kansas, Oklahoma, is the closest place, or Westville,” Abby said.
Cherokee Nation funding will create new health opportunities, especially in small towns.
“People need to understand that these 86 organizations exist primarily in rural areas that do not have access to the amenities that people often take for granted and are often the center of very small communities,” said Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
In Marble City, citizens can use the fitness equipment at the new community center that just opened.
The new $21 million center in Kenwood has space for exercise, plus courts and playing fields for traditional and modern games.
“So we have young Cherokees who maybe for the first time are connecting with a traditional game like stickball and are getting in good physical shape, but they’re just there to have fun, but it’s a benefit to the entire community,” the chief said. Hoskin Jr. said.
The Cherokee Nation will provide $25,000 to each community group and let them decide how to spend it.
Cherokees are building new clinics, like this one in Vinita, but they are also spending more on prevention to reduce smoking and encourage physical activity.
“They come and talk to us about how to eat healthy, wholesome recipes,” Whitmire said.
The chief said the new $25,000 grant will be annual.
They will also begin paying electricity bills to help community groups build their capacity to help their neighbors.
