Kenwood Teams dominate at ORES 25th Anniversary State Basketball Tournament By: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter KENWOOD, Okla- The Kenwood Lady Indians done it again, as they returned to the Oklahoma Rural Elementary Schools (ORES) State Basketball Tournament winning back-to-back state championships for the Division IV Girls. The 7th/8th grade team went undefeated all season, having one goal in mind which was bringing back another gold ball. This year they added teams on their s

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians extends our heartfelt condolences to the Osage Nation, the Gray family, and all who were touched by the life and leadership of former Osage Nation Principal Chief James Roan “Jim” Gray. Chief Gray served the Osage Nation during a transformative period in its modern history. As Principal Chief from 2002 to 2010, he helped lead significant governmental reform, including the adoption of a new constitution that strengthened self-gover

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians joins Tribal Nations across the country in recognizing the 70 th  anniversary of the Indian Health Service and its service to Indian Country in its responsibility to provide healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives.   Over the past seven decades, Tribal Nations have worked alongside IHS to increase healthcare access and enhance quality.    “The Indian Health Service exists to support the healthcare of Tribal Nations. Prom

For UKB tribal members, families, and everyone in our community across the United Keetoowah Band's jurisdictional area—including all or parts of the 14 counties in the Cherokee Reservation in Oklahoma: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner, and Washington. I'm sharing this update to help keep our people safe and prepared. A major winter storm is heading our way, and from my years in the field responding t

U.S. House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Oversight Hearing on “ Modernizing the Implementation of 638 Contracting at the Indian Health Service ” Chairman Hurd, Ranking Member Leger Fernandez, and members of the Subcommittee: It is my distinct honor to submit this testimony for the record on this hearing on behalf of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB). I do so to correct the record related to testimony provided by Cherokee Nation of Ok

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAHLEQUAH, OK – The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB) yesterday, Dec. 16, 2025, completed the acquisition of a new Healthcare Administration Building, a historic milestone that significantly expands the Tribe’s physical footprint, strengthens its healthcare system, and reinforces its sovereign authority to administer health programs for its Members. The newly acquired 3.88-acre property features a 7,700-square-foot building tha

Students from Bell Schools were excited to receive one of the Little Library Bookstands. Twelve stands filled with age-appropriate books are placed around the UKB jurisdiction. By: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter UKB Education Building TAHLEQUAH, Okla- The United Keetoowah Band Education Department has been awarded a “My Little Library” grant. This is a grant of age-appropriate books and Little Library Bookstands. “I learned about this grant through some colleagues at San Jose S

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On behalf of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, I extend my congratulations to William Kirkland III on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. The Bureau of Indian Affairs plays a central role in upholding the federal trust responsibility, supporting tribal self-determination, managing resources, and delivering essential services and infrastructure across Indian Country. As a Navajo leader, Mr. Kirkland

Winners of the activities which took place at the celebration. By: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH, Okla- The 75th Annual Keetoowah Celebration was a success, and the United Keetoowah Band appreciates everyone who came out and participated in the activities offered. Congratulations to all our winners this year at the celebration. Cornhole 1 st Place: Cameron Kingfisher/Kaleb Kingfisher 2 ND Place: Buzzy Scott/David Walker Volleyball 1 st Place: Native Mob 2 nd Plac

Jr. Miss Keetoowah J'Leeanna Ramsey and Miss Keetoowah Grayci Spradlin. Introducing Miss Keetoowah Grayci Spradlin and Jr. Miss Keetoowah J’Leeanna Ramsey By: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter TAHLEQUAH, Okla- The United Keetoowah Band would like to announce its new Miss Keetoowah Grayci Spradlin and Jr. Miss Keetoowah J’Leeanna Ramsey to represent as young ambassadors of the tribe. Meet the girls who will be representing UKB: My name is Grayci Spradlin, and I am the 2025–2027 Mis

Kenwood Lady Indians Softball Team Kenwood softball makes incredible return to the ORES to claim their first state title. By: LANI HANSEN, Senior Reporter KENWOOD, Okla- Returning after their second season, the Kenwood Lady Indians Softball Team has claimed their first title for the Oklahoma Rural Elementary Schools (ORES) Division 3 state championship. “We went into the state tournament as one,” Head Coach Doo Foreman said. “I always praise the Lord before the game and after

Washington, DC – United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) Chief Jeff Wacoche executed a historic agreement on Sept. 16, 2025, with...

By: Marilyn Craig, Museum Marketing Coordinator Two Keetoowah college students have been awarded scholarships from Boudinot Scholars...

Our work together as a sovereign people continues on many fronts, from defending our rights in Washington to celebrating the growth of...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tahlequah, Okla. – The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) today launched the ‘Defend UKB Rights’ ...

The statement is in regards of the proposed appropriations language. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "I swore a sacred oath to defend the...

The 75th Annual Keetoowah Celebration will be held October 4th. Chief Jeff Wacoche gives his address at the 74th Annual Keetoowah...

The Historic Council House will include four offices and council chambers for meetings. The four UKB Tribal Officers were joined by...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contrary to the CNO’s assertion that Senator Mullin’s language is consistent with opinions of the federal courts...