History & Background

The Greenway of the Cherokee Ozarks is a landscape shaped by the tribal nations of Northeastern Oklahoma. The places here tie together histories, responsibilities, and ongoing relationships that should guide how the corridor grows. Any long-term direction needs to make room for those ties and support the people who continue to live and care for the land.

Early coalition work has mapped possible routes, goals, and partnerships. This early planning creates space for tribal nations to determine whether leading or co-leading the next steps aligns withs their own priorities. A tribal-led approach would support accurate cultural interpretation, strengthen cultural heritage tourism, and create opportunities for community programs, artists, and local businesses. It would also ensure that stories, language, and land-based knowledge are shared on the Nation’s terms.

Leadership from tribal nations would align the greenway with the region's existing conservation and stewardship goals. Many Nations already focus on watershed care, habitat restoration, and land-based education. A continuous corridor supports that work by connecting landscapes, improving access, and offering a long-term framework for managing the area as a whole. This approach gives the greenway a stronger path forward and keeps decision-making close to the communities with the deepest ties to the land.