Cherokee Nation’s Economic Impact On Oklahoma Exceeds $3 Billion

The Cherokee Nation says it now drives more than $3.04 billion annually into the Oklahoma economy. Officials say the tribe and its businesses continually expand opportunities and advantages throughout northeast Oklahoma by supporting education, growing industries, providing jobs, improving health care, building infrastructure and more.

“Today, we gather to recognize the tremendous economic impact that Cherokee Nation has on northeast Oklahoma. From job creation to infrastructure development, Cherokee Nation plays a vital role in driving the region’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “The economic impact of Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma cannot be overstated. Through our businesses, educational offerings, health care expansion and community partnerships, we continue to enrich the Oklahoma economy and enhance the quality of life of our citizens, as well as our friends and neighbors."

An economic impact report by Dr. Russell Evans, principal of the Economic Impact Group and executive director of Economic Research and Policy Institute at Oklahoma City University, shows the tribe remains one of the state’s biggest economic drivers through investments, employment, labor income, and local production of goods and services.

“As the Oklahoma economy began to emerge from the long shadows of the pandemic, the Cherokee Nation was a leader in growing opportunities in northeast Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation kept payrolls full, provided needed hazard pay to frontline workers and expanded trade with thousands of vendors,” said Evans. “The significant economic influence of the tribe was supplemented by the nearly $1.5 billion in pandemic relief funds allocated in the state, with more than half of those funds providing direct assistance to Cherokee citizens and payroll to employees.”