Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner announced this week the formation of a task force to review the tribe’s disaster response operations.

“I’m so proud of the men and women across multiple Cherokee Nation departments that are ready, willing and able to step up when disaster strikes,” Chief Hoskin said. “What we owe them and what we owe everyone living in communities across our reservation is the most effective effort and deployment of resources to respond to natural disasters.”

Cherokee Nation, through various departments, serves a supporting role assisting communities and citizens struck by natural disasters. Departments typically called upon include the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Department of Public Safety, Facilities Management and Human Services.

Earlier this year Cherokee Nation launched Gadugi Corps and is developing a network of volunteer first responders to supplement disaster relief and recovery efforts.

“We cannot be content with the status quo even when, as is the case with emergency response, Cherokee Nation sets such a high standard,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “This task force will take an objective look at what we do when disaster strikes, build on our success and identify opportunities to improve.”

The Task Force on Cherokee Nation Disaster Response will review statues, processes and resources relating to the tribe’s emergency response operations and identify ways to improve. Task force members will engage various internal and external stakeholders in emergency response – including all members of the Council of the Cherokee Nation – to gather input.

Members of the Task Force on Cherokee Nation Disaster Response include:

• Corey Bunch, Chief of Staff (Chair)

• Shella Bowlin, Secretary of State (Co-Chair)

• Todd Enlow, Executive Director Housing Programs and Senior Advisor to the Principal Chief

• Taralee Montgomery, Senior Policy Advisor • Philip Manes, Senior Director of Public Safety

• Jennifer Kirby, Executive Director of Human Services

• Mike Shambaugh, Speaker of the Council of the Cherokee Nation (or Speaker’s designated member of the Council)

• Danny Callison, Council of the Cherokee Nation District 15

• Kevin Easley, Jr., Council of the Cherokee Nation District 14 Chief Hoskin invited Speaker Shambaugh and two additional Council members designated by the Speaker Councilors Callison and Easley – to join the task force.

“When it comes to disaster response, we have to all be on the same team and communicating well with each other across branches of government,” said Speaker Shambaugh. “Although the Council has an independent role in terms of funding and oversight, Chief Hoskin inviting Council participation in this task force sets the right tone.”

The task force has a Nov. 1, 2024, deadline to complete its work, after which its report will be released to the Council of the Cherokee Nation and the public.