Leaders of the Cherokee Nation gathered last week to break ground on a new stateof- the-art addiction treatment center near Tahlequah, the first of $76 million worth of capital projects the tribe is undertaking to help Cherokees struggling with substance use disorders.

The future facility, first announced in February 2023, will provide comprehensive and culturally based treatment services for drug addiction for Cherokee citizens via group and individual counseling, peer support services, care management, Cherokee cultural activities, equine therapy and more. The project is estimated to be a $25 million investment.

“This groundbreaking marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of Cherokee citizens. By investing in this stateof- the-art treatment center, we’re not just building a facility; we’re building hope, resilience, and a path to recovery for those struggling with substance use disorders,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “This center represents our dedication to providing comprehensive, culturally sensitive care that addresses the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. It’s a testament to the Cherokee Nation’s resolve to support our people through their most challenging times and empower them towards a brighter, healthier future.”

“This facility also represents a measure of justice,” said Chief Hoskin. “We bent the opioid industry to a settlement for the harm it inflicted, and we are making the opioid industry help pay for every single penny of this facility.”

Plans call for a 19,000-square-foot treatment center and additional space for residential dorms, therapy rooms, a cafeteria, a full kitchen, fitness centers, a healthcare wing, and cultural amenities for residents such as stickball fields, basketball courts, marbles courts, and more.

“This new treatment center represents a significant step forward in our fight against substance use disorders within the Cherokee Nation. By combin-ing modern treatment approaches with our rich cultural traditions, we’re creating a healing environment that speaks to the heart of who we are as Cherokee people,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “This facility will not only save lives but also strengthen families and communities across our tribe. It’s a testament to our commitment to addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time with compassion, innovation, and respect for our heritage.”

Each dorm will have a number of rooms with individual restrooms, common spaces, laundry spaces, offices, and exterior common spaces.

“This new drug treatment center represents the Cherokee Nation’s unwavering commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Cherokee citizens. By investing in comprehensive, culturally grounded care, we are helping Cherokee citizens find pathways to recovery, rebuild their lives, and reclaim their futures,” First Lady January Hoskin said. “This facility will be a beacon of hope, empowering individuals and families to overcome the devastating impacts of substance use disorders and create brighter, healthier tomorrows.”

Childers Architects and Foreman Manhattan Construction are the Cherokee Nation’s partners on the project, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

The Public Health and Wellness Fund Act of 2021, amended most recently in 2023, dedicates $100 million in settlement funds from opioid and e-cigarette lawsuits for a variety of public health programs, including $76 million for drug treatment capital projects.

In conjunction with the groundbreaking event, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed a proclamation to proclaim Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day in the Cherokee Nation.