Cherokee Nation added three electric vehicle charging stations on historic Route 66 at the newly opened cultural and welcome center in Vinita.
Friday, May 26, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. visited the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center, which opened in October 2022.
The center overlooks historic Route 66.
The charging stations are a part of the tribe's initiative to reduce their carbon footprint.
“An investment made today in the preservation of our planet is one we’re proud to make, knowing it will serve the next seven generations,” said Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We hope travelers will take advantage of the charging stations here in Vinita and take some time to enjoy the culture, history and art all on display at the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center.”
The stations are on the south side of the building and are available for public use.
This is not the first step Cherokee Nation has taken to reduce their carbon footprint.
In 2017, the tribe built one of the first solar canopies in Oklahoma at its headquarters in Tahlequah.
The tribe also has two public, rural eco-friendly electric buses to transport employees and tribal citizens to work, health centers, and schools, making it the first electric school bus system in Oklahoma.