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Sequoyah Today
By the People, for the People
Cherokee Nation Distributes $7.26M to 107 School Districts
Funds generated from the tribe's Motor Vehicle Tag compact support public education across Northeast Oklahoma.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:07am
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The Cherokee Nation's annual investment in public schools across Northeast Oklahoma provides crucial funding to support teachers and students.Sequoyah TodayThe Cherokee Nation distributed $7.26 million to 107 school districts as part of the tribe's annual Public School Appreciation Day event held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. The funds are generated through the tribe's Motor Vehicle Tag (MVT) legislation and compact with the state, which allocates 38% of its annual car tag revenue directly to education for schools to use at their discretion.
Why it matters
The Cherokee Nation's investment in public education through the MVT compact has provided crucial funding for school districts across Northeast Oklahoma for over 20 years. This annual distribution helps fill budget gaps, launch new programs, and support teachers and students in Cherokee Nation communities.
The details
During the event, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced the tribe would be continuing its Summer EBT program, which assists nearly 45,000 students with summer meals. Since 2002, the Cherokee Nation has invested nearly $107 million into public schools in the Cherokee Nation Reservation and contiguous counties through the MVT compact.
- The Cherokee Nation's 2026 Public School Appreciation Day was held on April 7, 2026.
- The Cherokee Nation has distributed funds through the MVT compact since 2002.
The players
Chuck Hoskin Jr.
The Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Bryan Warner
The Deputy Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Kevin Easley Jr.
The Deputy Speaker of the Council of the Cherokee Nation, representing District 14.
Sharon Swepston
The Cherokee Nation Tax Commission Administrator.
Cherokee Nation
A federally recognized Native American tribe based in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
What they’re saying
“Today isn't just about contributions, but the renewed commitment to invest in public education. During the 19th century our ancestors decided to invest 70 cents of every dollar back into education as they faced incredible odds to their survival. We still do that today through our investment in car tag contributions.”
— Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
“This is always an exciting and rewarding day giving back to these public schools across the reservation. As a past educator myself, I know how important these funds are and can help tremendously in areas needed.”
— Bryan Warner, Deputy Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
“The distribution of Cherokee Nation car tag revenue to more than 100 public school districts across Northeast Oklahoma isn't just a line item in a budget. For many of these schools, these funds are dollars that fill funding gaps that would otherwise go unfilled. Dollars may launch new educational programs or help a teacher stay in the classroom with the supplies and technology they need. That's making a real and lasting difference in the lives of not just Cherokee students, but all students.”
— Kevin Easley Jr., Deputy Speaker of the Council, Cherokee Nation
“The Tax Commission is proud to support our schools and education partners across. The support for Public School Appreciation Day is made possible by our Executive Administration, The Council of the Cherokee Nation, my fellow Tax Commissioners and the backing of our Cherokee Nation citizens.”
— Sharon Swepston, Cherokee Nation Tax Commission Administrator
What’s next
The Cherokee Nation plans to continue its annual Public School Appreciation Day and distribution of MVT funds to support public education across Northeast Oklahoma.
The takeaway
The Cherokee Nation's longstanding commitment to investing in public education through its MVT compact demonstrates the tribe's enduring values and its desire to uplift all students, not just those of Cherokee descent, in the communities it serves.
