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"New Community Center in Fairfield. The construction was done primarily by Cherokee elders in the community." STILWELL, OK - Community buildings provide places for Cherokee citizens to come together and plant the seed corn for better and stronger Cherokee communities. With this idea in mind, the Cherokee Nation recently contributed $85,000 to the Fairfield community to help with construction of a new community center there. The establishment was constructed by a handful of elders within the community, a feat that some believed would be impossible. “When we applied for funding a lot of people didn’t think we could do it,” said Bill Collins. “But we knew we could, we just needed the chance.” According to Luann Collins, occasionally grandchildren would stop by and lend a hand, but primarily the building was constructed by the hands of elderly men within the community, some of whom have mobility problems. The facility is used for community fundraisers, family gatherings, holiday functions, nutritional classes and meetings. “This community building is one of the most practical and usable buildings that the tribe has assisted in constructing,” said Don Greenfeather, Community Development Director. “What makes this building so special is that it was constructed by Cherokee elders.” “Our hope is that the building will bring the community together,” said Collins. “We’ve found that once we get them to come to an event, they usually come back.” Community Building projects were established to provide a place for Cherokee communities to have an establishment for tribal and community activities. The program is provided by the Cherokee Nation Community Services Department as a way to strengthen Cherokee communities and promote the culture of the Cherokee Nation. Funding for the community building projects is provided by the tribe and the labor is provided by the community. “We appreciate the funding from the Cherokee Nation,” said Collins. “Some months we use the building every week. We hope to utilize the building more and more as time goes on.”

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org