Human Services

ᏴᏫ ᎢᏧᎾᏛᏁᏗ

Youth Services & Special Projects

ᎩᎳ ᏗᎾᏛᏍᎩ ᎢᏗᏓᏛᏁᏗ & ᎤᏤᎵᏛ ᎢᏗᏛᏁᏗᎢ

John A. Ketcher Youth Services Center: The mission of the Cherokee Nation’s John A. Ketcher Youth Center is to strengthen the wellness of children, youth, and families through prevention education, emergency resources, and community outreach. Named in honor of Cherokee statesman, former Deputy Chief and former Tribal Council Member John A. Ketcher.

Emergency Care

The goal is to improve the safety and security of families and communities by providing a safe and secure environment for victims and dependent children of family violence and domestic violence. The program serves as a short-term respite care for the children and youth. Eligibility for services will be established through referrals from program or agency sources. Age-appropriate services and activities will be provided to the dependents under the age of 18.

Community Outreach and Prevention

"Making A Change" (MAC) is a life skills program developed by Cherokee Nation Youth Services for Indian youth ages 10 to 17 who are referred to the program by law enforcement, tribal and municipal courts, parents\guardians, social service programs, schools, and other agencies in the communities who have identified youth as "At Risk" or in need of intervention.

The YSSP team is also available to the community and schools for prevention education presentations addressing an array of positive youth development activities - life skills and financial wellness, cultural awareness, physical and emotional fitness.

For more information:

John A. Ketcher Youth Services Center
Cherokee Nation Youth Services
21834 South Jules Valdez Road
P.O. Box 948
Tahlequah, OK  74465
Please call: 918-458-4440