Cherokee Nation Contributes To A Number of Area School Districts

NewsOn6.com

CATOOSA, OK -- Each year, the Cherokee Nation contributes 38 percent of the revenues from its license tags to Oklahoma school districts that fall within the tribe's boundaries.

In a news release, the Cherokee Nation says that adds up to millions of dollars for area schools; this year's contribution of $2,761,714.60 will bring the total contribution amount to more than $19 million since 2002.

"This contribution refutes the idea that Indians don't pay taxes," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, noting that the money represents an excise tax of Cherokee Nation's own citizens. "It is unique in that we've taxed ourselves and are sharing that tax so that we can advance education in Oklahoma."

The news release says Tulsa County school districts received a total of $193,348.08 during a special education summit held on March 22 in Catoosa.

Additionally, Catoosa Public Schools received a contribution of $29,206.27 during the event, and Osage Hills School received $2,550.77.

Tulsa area school districts that received a contribution include Collinsville Public Schools ($36,475.96), Copan Public Schools ($5,866.76), Owasso Public Schools ($49,357.33), Skiatook Public Schools ($43,618.10), Sperry Public Schools ($22,064.13) and Tulsa Public Schools ($35,965.80).

The release says contribution amounts were determined by a formula based on the number of students attending the school that are citizens of the Cherokee Nation, although the school districts are not restricted to using the contribution in a particular manner or for any particular students.

The contribution formula was based on $127.54 per Cherokee student.