Cherokee Nation council approves amendments to Cherokee Heritage Center legislation, backs redevelopment plan

The Culture Committee of the Cherokee Nation Council approved amendments to the Cherokee Heritage Center Act after a presentation on a multi‑phase redevelopment plan and public engagement timeline.

The plan, developed by the Cherokee National Historical Society and Cherokee Nation cultural tourism staff, lays out a phased approach that preserves the seminary columns, creates a seven‑sided central gallery, and adds galleries, a café, classroom space and an amphitheater. The motion to adopt the Act amendments passed in a roll call vote; several council members were recorded as absent.

Christy Neuhoff, chair of the Cherokee National Historical Society, told the committee she was appointed to the society's board after the creation of the new society and said the organization worked with Cherokee Nation businesses to prepare a new strategic plan. "We worked on a new strategic plan, which analyzed the history of the site, how it is connected to our community," Neuhoff said.

Travis Owens, vice president of cultural tourism for Cherokee Nation, walked the committee through the design concepts and programmatic elements. Owens said the project emphasizes preserving the site's natural setting and integrating a building into the landscape rather than constructing a single dominant structure. "We didn't want this to feel like a singular building that was just you arrived upon," Owens said, describing the design intent to tuck the structure into the trees and preserve sightlines.

Owens described the first phase as including the museum, National Treasures gallery, changing gallery, classroom and flexible community spaces. He described exterior elements, including a dry creek bed feature with art installations and an amphitheater expected to seat roughly "200 to 300" for performances and lectures. Phase 2 would address some functions currently housed at the Cherokee National Research Center; Owens said the research center has capacity for several years and that phase 2 can be deferred.

Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. urged continued public outreach during the council review period and noted the legislation provides for a review-and-comment window. "I think the plan is wonderful," Chief Hoskin said, and he asked staff to expand public notice and provide tools for managing public feedback during the 30-day review period tied to the legislation.

The motion to approve the Cherokee Heritage Center Act amendments was moved in the committee and seconded on the floor; the roll call recorded the following votes: Clifton Hughes 'yes; Johnny Kidwell 'yes; Daryl Legg 'yes; Kendra McGaty 'yes; Dora Petzkowski 'yes; Cody Poindexter 'yes; Joshua Sam 'yes; Mobina Shotpouch 'yes; Candessa Teehee 'yes; Sasha Black Fox Qualls 'yes; Julia Coats 'yes; Kevin Easley 'yes; Ashley Grant 'yes; Uriah Grass 'yes; Lisa Hall 'yes. Danny Callison and Joe Deere were recorded as absent. The chair announced, "The motion to approve passes."

Committee members and presenters emphasized preservation of the seminary columns and a phased construction approach. Council members who spoke during discussion praised project leadership and noted the site's importance for school visits, artists and community programs.

The committee recorded no ordinance or appropriation details in its motion; the legislation and the redevelopment plan include a statutory review period and outreach commitments the presenters said they will expand on via press release and social media. The committee did not set construction start dates beyond noting the first phase aims to break ground "hopefully next year," according to Owens.

The committee also requested the presentation materials be made available to councilors and the public; Owens said a fuller version of the plan and attachments already exist and a 3D rendering will be released publicly in the near term.

The committee's approval advances the amended Cherokee Heritage Center Act and the proposed redevelopment plan into the Cherokee Nation's review and implementation steps.