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TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - In an effort to show care for the environment, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council voted unanimously to pass an act requiring the establishment of a Reduce, Reuse and Recycle program for all tribal entities by January, 2010. “We want to be a good global partner in the recycling effort, and this will give us the opportunity to supplement other environmental protection initiatives,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. The act establishes a policy for all Cherokee Nation entities to implement several actions, including reuse and recycling of electronic equipment, eyeglass frames and cell phones, water conserving fixtures and energy conserving options on all new construction and replacements. The act also calls for an active program to recycle paper, glass, aluminum and plastic. “This is more than just a recycling act; it also establishes a policy to reuse and reduce waste,” said Councilor Cara Cowan Watts, representing the Will Rogers District. “It has been an example of good coordination between the Legislative Branch and the Executive Branch.” The Council also passed a resolution rescinding a previous one which authorized a loan to the Chilocco Benefit Association and changed it to a contribution in the amount of $25,000. The funds will be used to help restore many buildings with historical significance at the site, helping the campus again become a national center for Native American education. In other business, the Council voted to confirm the nominations of Bill Andoe, Alan Herrin, Jane Osti, Lori Smiley and Mary Horsechief as advisory committee members of Cherokee National Treasures Program and the re-nomination of Johnnie Earp as a board member of the Economic Development Trust Authority. Also passed was a resolution authorizing the lease of the restaurant at the Cherokee Nation tribal complex in Tahlequah. In addition, the Council passed a resolution authorizing the transfer of four buildings and surrounding property at W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah into trust from Indian Health Services to the Cherokee Nation. The next meeting of the Tribal Council will be held on Monday, August 10 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex south of Tahlequah

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org