Opinion

As Oklahoma government officials move our state into “Phase 2” of reopening after COVID-19, it is important for us to maintain safe practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued recommendations recently for those communities who are considering opening schools and events.

The governor went to work signing and vetoing legislation last week that was approved by both chambers, deciding if the measures would become law. While there were a number of great bills he approved, there were also several he decided to veto that would’ve made a positive impact on our state, especially in our rural communities. Consequently, we reconvened at the Capitol on Friday to override these vetoes, making these measures law.

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, an opportunity to thank all Cherokee foster parents for the selfless time and love they give for our Cherokee children. Wado for stepping up to care for our precious children while we work to reunify their families and bring healing.

Letha Mae Shook Chapman Neihouse, 88, of Oologah, Okla. passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Oologah.

Cowboy Country Fellowship has teamed up with Camp Courage www. campcourageusa.com this summer for eight weeks of fun and adventure. The campers will arrive every morning and go home every evening, Monday through Friday. During the day they will experience swimming, water trampoline, canoeing, water board and several other water events in the Talala Lake located on the property. There will be archery, fishing, horseshoes and many different games. The highlight will be the Council Fire Trail, where parents will have the opportunity to go with their kids. There, they will hear a Gospel Message right out of the old past sitting around the council fire.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” - “Ferris Bueller” from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. It has affected everyone differently and for some, stress and uncertainty may negatively impact their mental health. This month is National Mental Health Awareness Month and during this pandemic, when everyone is focused on their physical health, please remember taking care of your mental health is equally important.

In light of the worst public health crisis in generations, we have used medical science, facts and compassion as our guide. Throughout this crisis, our decision-making has been guided by Cherokee Nation health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on this guidance, limiting access to government headquarters and temporarily shutting our businesses was the right thing to do.

Yes. Our staff just received the heart-breaking news. The largest youth encampment in the world is cancelling all events for the summer. Wow!

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