TERO monitors and enforces the Cherokee Nation Tribal TERO Ordinance to ensure employment rights are protected. Enforcement of employment rights is funded through the * Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C.). The TERO will investigate and mediate employment discrimination complaints in selected cases. * EEOC - Investigation of allegations of discrimination involving unfair employment procedures/practices prohibited by Title VII, ADA , ADEA, & EPA.

The TERO negotiates for job vacancies with contractors doing business with the Cherokee Nation and refers qualified Native American workers to fill those vacancies.

Indian Preference Contractors

The TERO maintains a listing of Indian-owned businesses. This listing is used by the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee Nation Purchasing Department when letting contracts out for bid. The TERO Ordinance allows for TERO Certified firms to receive preferential treatment in the bid process.

How to become Certified:

If you would like to be certified as an Indian Preference firm, you should contact the TERO Office.
Once the application is completed, please send it back to the TERO Office, where it will be reviewed to ensure all required documentation is present. If your application is complete a site visit will be conducted, after which you will be invited to meet with the TERO Committee. After meeting with you, the committee will decide to certify or not certify your company. If your company is certified, it's name will be placed on the contractor's list. If your company is denied certification, you may not re-apply for a period of one year.

Job Banks

The TERO maintains a listing of skilled individuals and their crafts. This listing is utilized by the TERO when filling job vacancies that have been negotiated with contractors doing business with the Cherokee Nation. This listing covers all 14 counties within the Cherokee Nation's jurisdictional boundaries.

To be eligible to apply for the Job Bank. You must: Provide proof of Indian descent from a federally recognized tribe and legal basis.

In October of 1983 the Cherokee Tribal Council passed a tribal resolution authorizing the establishment of the TERO Office within the Employment and Training Department of the Cherokee Nation. On August 11, 1984, the council approved a resolution and ordinance that enables the tribe to exercise their inherent sovereign powers by imposing Indian preference on employers working on or near the jurisdictional boundaries of the Cherokee Nation.

If you would like more information, please contact the TERO at (918) 453-5334 or (800)256-0671, Ext. 2334 (Toll Free)