The Cherokee Nation has formally ended its state public school charter for the Tsunadeloquasdi Cherokee Language Immersion School, transitioning the program to full tribal governance ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year. The move follows a directive issued by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. on May 6, notifying Council leadership of his intent to terminate the charter under authority granted in Section 4, §3 of the Durbin Feeling Language Education Act, as amended. “Our current charter ends with the end of the State of Oklahoma’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2026,” the memorandum states, adding that the Chief of Staff was instructed to communicate non‑renewal to the Oklahoma State Department of Education between May 18 and June 30.
The decision concludes a 15‑year period during which the immersion school operated as an Oklahoma public charter. According to the memorandum, internal reports delivered in 2024 and 2025 recommended ending the charter, citing increased tribal capacity and the need for greater self‑governance in language education. “Administering language immersion education through a state charter public school is incompatible with the principle of self-governance given our present circumstances.”
According to both the memorandum and the legislative text of LA‑23‑26, the shift to full tribal oversight is intended to strengthen Cherokee language revitalization efforts by removing external regulatory barriers and aligning governance with cultural and linguistic priorities. The act states that a “crisis exists… with respect to language preservation” and that expanded oversight, third‑party evaluation, and new advisory structures are necessary to “ensure the continued advancement of language revitalization efforts.” The memo similarly emphasizes that increased tribal capacity makes state‑mandated requirements less compatible with immersion‑focused instruction.
On June 25, the Tribal Council convened a special session called by Chief Hoskin to consider related legislation. The Council advanced Legislative Act LA‑23‑26, which permanently reauthorizes the Durbin Feeling Language Preservation Act and establishes a new oversight structure for immersion education. The act repeals prior resolutions authorizing the state charter and confirms that the charter “has or will be terminated by non‑renewal… effective July 1, 2026,” according to the legislation text.
LA‑23‑26 creates a Cherokee Nation Immersion Education Advisory Board, to be seated no later than December 31, 2026, and requires third‑party evaluation of immersion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027. The Principal Chief indicated his intent to pursue accreditation through the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC), noting in the memo that the program currently holds temporary accreditation.
The act also authorizes major capital investments across the Durbin Feeling Language Campus and related sites, sets minimum annual funding levels for language programs, and establishes new reporting requirements to support long‑term revitalization efforts. With the legislation now signed, the Cherokee Nation will begin implementing the advisory board structure, accreditation process, and expanded program oversight outlined in LA‑23‑26 ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year.
