CATOOSA — The Cherokee Nation last week officially dedicated its JW Sam-Gadusi building in Catoosa. Cherokee Nation leaders gathered with tribal employees and family members of the late JW Sam, for whom the building is named, to unveil the building’s official name and signage on Dec. 6.
The facility will house satellite offices for Cherokee Nation Career Services and Human Services and will be used by the local Cherokee community group as well. Sam was a longtime Catoosa educator and administrator and a Cherokee citizen.
“We believe the renewed purpose for this former elementary school building will also renew and extend the legacy of Mr. Sam,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We want to ensure that we find new opportunities to provide services to all of our citizens.”
The Catoosa facility will help serve more citizens in the Rogers and Tulsa County areas providing a sort of “one-stop shop” for their Career Services and Human Services needs.
“I know a lot of prayer, preparation, and patience has got us to this point,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “There is a spirit of unity here at the JW Sam-Gadusi Building.”
When the facility opens to citizens in 2023, Career and Human Services will be housed within the building. Career Services will be offering programs for families, such as GED training and testing, tribal training services, the displaced workers program, TANF, and other federal programs. Human Services will be offering programs such as family assistance, elder services, child care and development, child support, Indian Child Welfare, youth services, and special programs to citizens who qualify.
The JW Sam-Gadusi Building will also be home to the Cherokee Community of Catoosa, a local nonprofit organization.
CCC plans to develop various community and cultural programs in the facility under an agreement with Cherokee Nation.
In 2021, while the facility was undergoing extensive remodeling, the Council approved legislation sponsored by Councilors Joe Deere, Keith Austin, and Janees Taylor to name the facility in Sam’s honor.
For more information about Cherokee Nation Career Services and Human Services available at the JW Sam-Gadusi Building in Catoosa, call 918-266-5626.
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