TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner are creating a task force to study emerging technologies and strengthen the tribe's cybersecurity.

Chief Hoskin announced the efforts during a Cherokee Nation employee technology summit held Wednesday in Tahlequah, where he signed an executive order creating the task force.

"Deputy Chief Warner and I know that to embrace the promise of a great Cherokee century, we must remain committed to self-determination and our inherent sovereignty. We must look toward the future to anticipate emerging technologies, provide safeguards and protection of citizens' sensitive personal data, and better understand the concept of data sovereignty," Chief Hoskin said. "The Executive Order on Data Sovereignty and Self-Governance provides us an opportunity for a coordinated effort among all Cherokee Nation departments. Together, and through the work of this task force, we will ensure we work hard to meet the needs, interests and expectations of Cherokee citizens while embracing these emerging technologies."

The Task Force on Data Sovereignty will have multiple objectives, including, but not limited to:

• Reviewing emerging technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence;
• Standardizing a process for introducing new technologies to Cherokee Nation citizens, as well as implementation in the workforce and education efforts;
• Examining Cherokee Nation departments that routinely administer programs and services that intake personal data from citizens;
• Recommending strategies to improve gathering of personal data;
• Recommending an institutionalized strategy to define Cherokee data sovereignty;
• Recommending general guidelines for the evaluation, procurement, and uses for generative AI and other emerging technologies;
• Recommending educational outreach focused on emerging technologies and cybersecurity for citizens and students across the Cherokee Nation reservation.

"In this day and time, we have to understand that bolstering our cybersecurity is essential to protecting our employees and citizens," said Deputy Chief Warner. "Critical infrastructure is more and more reliant on information technology and data systems. Our workforce and our citizens should have the tools and information they need to protect themselves from things like phishing scams, ransomware and other types of malware. Chief Hoskin and I look at this as a shared responsibility, and we're committed to making the Cherokee Nation a safer place for everyone."

The Task Force on Data Sovereignty must issue a report outlining its recommendations to Chief Hoskin no later than April 30, 2025.

Members of the task force will include Cherokee Nation Chief Information Officer Paula Starr, who will serve as chair; Chief of Staff Dr. Corey Bunch, co-chair; Secretary of State Shella Bowlin; Attorney General Chad Harsha or a designee; Health Chief Information Officer Todd Gourd; IT Director of Enterprise Ben Phillips; IT Director of Information Security Jon B. James; and IT Director of Infrastructure and Operations Tricia Moreland.