TAHLEQUAH, OK – The Cherokee Nation tribal leaders recently broke ground on a new $34 million wellness center for its Cherokee citizens and employees. The Tahlequah Wellness Center will be a 75,000 sq. ft., two-story building that will sit near the tribe’s Durbin Feeling Language Center and the new Head Start facility.
“Under the Cherokee Nation Public Health and Wellness Fund Act and American Rescue Plan Act, we were able to lock down funds for projects like this one that builds upon the health of our Cherokee people,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “When this project is complete in 2026, it will impact so many citizens daily lives by aiding their physical and mental well-being.”
Once complete, the wellness center will include two basketball courts, weight and cardio areas, studios, batting cages, locker rooms and a running track. The building will also include a child watch, public health administration office space and a large lobby for users to congregate.
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 initiatives much like the Tahlequah Wellness Center.
“I can’t wait to see the progress our Cherokee people make in terms of a healthier lifestyle when this construction is complete,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “Our Cherokee Nation Public Health team does such great work in being proactive in Cherokee citizens’ lives and having a state-of-the-art facility like this available will only make their job more effective for tribal citizens. This is a real blessing for the tribe, the employees and the citizens.”
Along with the Tahlequah Wellness Center, other public health initiatives that the tribe has under construction include the Mary L. (Holland) Carson Wellness Center in Stilwell that will open in 2025 and public wellness space in the new Salina Health Center. Earlier this year, the tribe also celebrated the opening of two new wellness spaces, one located in the Woody Hair Community Center in Kenwood and the other in the Marble City Community Center.
“I can’t even express how excited I am,” said Cherokee Nation Public Health Executive Director Lisa Pivec. “This is a dream not for just myself, but the public health staff as well. We understand how important it is to be active and to be well. Any way that we can participate in helping our people get healthier, we will do.”
“I am endlessly proud and excited of the progress Cherokee Nation continues to make on public health and wellness initiatives,” said Cherokee Nation Councilor Lisa Hall. “I can’t wait to see the construction complete on this wellness center and know it will benefit so many constituents.”
The Tahlequah Wellness Center is expected to open in 2026. Blue River is the architectural firm and Thompson Construction is the contractor.
