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From Native News Online staff

28 August 2024

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) have entered into a historic agreement that will help establish the UKB Tribal Health System.

The 638 Agreement will add the Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) program, better known as Contract Health, to the tribe’s self-determination contract and annual funding agreement. This will also increase overall funding for Indian health care on the reservation. It will even create lucrative employment opportunities. On August 26, the agreement was signed by Chief Joe Bunch and Lindsay King, IHS Area Self-Determination Director.

“I have been saying for decades that our Keetoowah people are wrongfully denied access to federal health care at a level available to members of other federally recognized tribes,” said UKB Chief Joe Bunch. “Today’s agreement paves the way for health care for our tribal members. Our senior leaders and tribal council are extremely grateful to our federal partners who have helped correct this historic wrong.”

The UKB Tribal Council has allocated $2.6 million to convert the tribal wellness center into clinical space and boost the program.

“I couldn’t be happier. I thank the Lord for His blessings. Thanks again to everyone involved, especially IHS Director Roselyn Tso, Oklahoma City Area Director Rear Admiral Travis Watts, Area Director of Self-Determination Lindsay King, IHS Chief Financial Officer Jillian Curtis, Lippes Mathias Director and UKB member Bryan Shade, and Jeff Nelson of the MCT Law Firm,” said Chief Bunch.

“We thank our federal partners for coming to the negotiating table in good faith. This is a great day for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.”

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma has nearly 14,000 members. Their tribal capital is Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

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