TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation Gadugi Portal Call Center is being honored as “Outstanding Employer” by the Native American Employment and Training Conference.

The Gadugi Portal Call Center team currently consists of five full time staff members and 15 temporary staff gaining work experience through Cherokee Nation Career Services. The call center has provided temporary employment to more than 60 Cherokee citizens since its inception, helping them to learn important on-the-job skills.

“I could not be prouder to see the progress Cherokee Nation is making with our Career Services department,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “The investment made into our workforce reflects our Cherokee values. If we continue to invest into ourselves while at the same time streamlining access to services through the Gadugi Portal Call Center, all of our citizens benefit. Congratulations to the Gadugi Portal Call Center for this award.”

The Gadugi Portal Call Center helps Cherokee citizens who are seeking services and program assistance from Cherokee Nation.

“Cherokee Nation has a long-standing tradition of pushing ahead for excellence,” Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner said. “We are honored to see such excellence within our Nation. Career Services truly shows how important it is to strive to be better no matter what you do. We have an opportunity to continue to be a blessing to other people and provide access to services through this department and call center.”

The award will be presented to Cherokee Nation during an event in May.

The National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference, established in 1979, is the largest and most representative national Indian and Native American employment and training association. NINAETC serves the needs of a broad membership of Indian and Native American tribal governments, consortia, and organizations.