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Cherokee Nation Chief candidate Chuck Hoskin Junior was at Tri County Tech's Bartlesville location Monday evening for a Hoskin Warner Campaign Rally. Current Chief Bill Baker has reached his term limit and Hoskin said he has the experience in this time where new leadership is needed.

Working with County Commissioners, Chamber Directors, Mayors and people who want to move communities forward in Northeast Oklahoma is what has motivated Hoskin in recent years. He has served as the Secretary of State for the Cherokee Nation for several years and said there needs to be great improvements in the economy in this area. That in turn will help the Cherokee people who own the territory, Hoskin said.

Bringing in businesses to Northeast Oklahoma is one way Hoskin said to diversify the economy. He said quality bridges and roadways will also be a major priority if he becomes the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Another focus in the Hoskin Warner Campaign is school funding. According to Hoskin, the Cherokee Nation donated $5.7 million to local schools last year.

Investments in healthcare is a primary goal. Hoskin said the next challenge in healthcare is to make sure plenty of doctors and nurses stay in rural facilities. Hoskin and Warner are looking at ways they can encourage young Native people to get into Native healthcare clinics. Hoskin said it will then be Native peoples taking care of Native peoples, Cherokees taking care of Cherokees and young people being the doctors and nurses of tomorrow.

Hoskin said a young generation is coming and it is the Cherokee Nation's responsibility to make sure they get their education and work. Also getting the next generation and the one that follows to stay in the region is what Hoskin believes will grow all communities in Northeast Oklahoma.

(Photo courtesy: Hoskin Jr)