The department works across a wide range of programs to safeguard the environment, strengthen community well-being, and uphold Cherokee values of stewardship for the benefit of our people today and for the next seven generations to come.

Departments within Natural Resources

• Environmental Programs

• Ethnobiology Department

• Land Management and Agriculture

• Sanitary Landfill

• Tribal Historic Preservation Office

• Wildfire Prevention Program

• Wildlife Conservation

Meet Secretary Christina Justice

At the helm of these efforts is Secretary of Natural Resources, Christina Justice, a lifelong Cherokee Nation employee with more than two decades of service. Appointed in 2023, Secretary Justice brings a strong background in environmental management, tribal governance, and public service. She holds degrees in criminal justice and environmental management from Northeastern State University and previously served as the Chief Administrator of Operations for Natural Resources Department, under Secretary Harsha.

As Secretary of Natural Resources, she oversees a diverse portfolio of programs and departments, including wildlife conservation, land management, Ethnobiology, Environmental Programs, and Green Energy initiatives. Secretary Justice also chairs the Clean Energy and Food Waste Management Task Forces and guides strategic efforts to reduce the Nation’s environmental footprint through policy and innovation. Her leadership reflects the spirit of gadugi and a deep commitment to protecting the Nation’s sacred lands, waters, and ecosystems for generations to come.

Meet Executive Director Sydnee Krenek

Executive Director of Natural Resources Sydnee Krenek grew up and attended school in Porter, Oklahoma. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Northeastern State University and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. She joined the Natural Resources department in 2023 serving alongside Secretary Justice to provide direct oversight to 11 sub-departments, consisting of around 100 employees.