By Teriza West, FOX23 News
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation announced a new work group to study and suggest more housing options for Cherokee Veterans during its 2026 Cherokee Nation Veterans Summits.
The summits, held in Vinita and Roland, brought Veterans, their families, tribal program leaders, and more together in an effort to build connections and strengthen support across the reservation.
“This new work group will be instrumental in studying both these federal housing lifelines that can lend to more safe, affordable housing for all those who served within our Veteran community,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Many Veterans deal with trauma and housing insecurity, and the Cherokee Nation is continuing to take steps to close the gap for our population of citizens.”
The new work group is meant to look at the tribe’s access to the federal Native American Direct Loan program to help eligible Veterans buy or build a home on tribal land. The group will also evaluate the Cherokee Nation’s administration of the HUD Vash program, which helps qualifying Veterans pay rent.
“These recommendations are designed to remove barriers that have long kept Veterans from secure, stable homes within their own communities,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner.
