Cherokee Nation leaders met with nearly 300 community members and leaders of the Cherokee Cultural Community organization Tuesday to celebrate the opening of a new community building. 

 The new facility will provide the community with a place to learn about Cherokee culture and language and host family activities. The building also provides future opportunities for Cherokee Nation programs and services to be available to Cherokee citizens in the area. 

 The Cherokee Nation purchased and rehabilitated the building under the Housing, Jobs & Sustainable Communities Act signed into law by Chief Hoskin in 2019. The Act initially set aside $30 million for housing projects and for improving communities through grassroots efforts. In 2022, the Act was amended to provide an additional $120 million toward housing and community efforts across the Cherokee Nation.

 The Cherokee Cultural Community is a participating organization of the Cherokee Nation’s Community & Cultural Outreach. The Dewey community building is being leased to the organization, which is standard practice for community centers owned by the Cherokee Nation across the reservation.

 The community center is a total of around 9,500 square feet.