Title
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LAKE EUCHA STATE PARK LOCATED IN DELAWARE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA AND A REQUEST TO THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA FOR IT TO REMAIN OPEN
Body
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation, since time immemorial has exercised the sovereign rights of self-government on behalf of the Cherokee People; and
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized Indian Nation with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, it is beneficial for the Cherokee Nation to advance the quality of life of its citizens and for all peoples of Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, Delaware County, with its county seat of Jay, Oklahoma, is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Cherokee Nation and is home to numerous citizens of the Cherokee Nation; and
WHEREAS, Lake Eucha State Park, located in Delaware County, Oklahoma, is a center of community life for the area. Lake Eucha State Park is the only state park with a swimming pool where groups or families may reserve the entire park and pool for twenty-four (24) hours. It is highly beneficial to the Cherokee Nation citizens and families in the community and surrounding areas for hosting events such as family reunions, community picnics, outdoor classrooms, camping sites, hiking trails, fishing, and many other such events that benefit the Cherokee people and the people of the State of Oklahoma and surrounding states; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Oklahoma has proposed eliminating financing of Lake Eucha State Park in the upcoming budget; and
WHEREAS, eliminating state funding for this park would be highly detrimental to the people of the region and surrounding states, many of whom are Cherokee Nation citizens.
WHEREAS, Lake Eucha State Park being operational and supporting the community, would greatly outweigh any minor budgetary savings the State of Oklahoma would realize.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TRIBAL COUNCIL OF THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Nation supports the continuation of state funding for Lake Eucha State Park for the benefit that it provides to the people of the area and surrounding states, many of whom are Cherokee Nation citizens and as it benefits the Cherokee Nation as a whole.