Meet Kendall Lee-Daughtery, Cherokee Nation’s Digital Navigator program lead, and a proud Cherokee Nation citizen. Kendall isn’t just a tech guy—he’s part of the community. Growing up in Cherokee Nation, he’s someone people trust to help them navigate the often confusing world of technology. Whether explaining internet plans, figuring out devices, or troubleshooting connectivity issues, Kendall’s got it covered because he gets it.

For Cherokee citizens living on and off the reservation, staying connected is more than just having access to the internet. It’s about staying close to their Tribe and culture and feeling part of the digital world. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., couldn’t have said it better: “…it is vital for our Tribe’s long-term success that we ensure that all Cherokee citizens, no matter where they live, remain connected to our Tribe, our government, and our culture.”

The Cherokee Nation is making strides toward improving broadband access on their reservation, which spans an incredible 7,000 square miles in rural northeastern Oklahoma. The challenge is real—there are still 6,000 Cherokee households without internet or computers at home, according to estimates from Cherokee Nation. That’s a lot of people disconnected, not only from technology but from opportunities in education, health care, and staying connected with loved ones.

That’s where the Cherokee Nation’s digital navigator program, part of the National Digital Navigator Corps (NDNC), steps in. Partnering with NDIA, AMERIND Critical Infrastructure and supported by Google.org, this program addresses the community’s most significant need—helping Cherokee citizens, especially elders and Cherokee language speakers, access critical services like telehealth or expand educational resources for school-age children. Reliable internet isn’t easy to come by, with limited infrastructure and high prices, but the program is making headway.

One of Kendall’s stories from working with an elder shows the impact of this work. He helped a Tribal elder who needed internet connectivity so her pacemaker could update data in real-time for her doctor to access. Kendall set up a hotspot, helped her apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit, and even secured an internet provider to ensure she didn’t have to make long trips to the doctor. This isn’t just about tech—it’s about peace of mind, knowing she’s getting the care she needs right from home.

Kendall’s office is in the J.W. Sam-Gadusi building in Catoosa, where the Connected Learning Center, a partnership with AT&T, provides a dedicated space for digital learning. With 15 computer stations and fiber internet, Kendall can hold one-on-one training sessions and group workshops on skills such as resume building. He’s usually out on the road, meeting people right where they are, helping them connect to the digital world one home at a time

There’s much more to the work of a digital navigator than just showing people how to use a computer. It’s about ensuring they feel confident and empowered to take advantage of the opportunities the internet provides. For many residents, the terminology on an internet bill or knowing which plans they qualify for is a mystery. Kendall is their go-to guide, breaking it down and making it easy to understand.

“When I first started as a digital navigator, I thought the job was going to be more of an IT service role. However, I now see that I’m helping members of my own community and making a real impact on their everyday lives. Giving back to the community where I was raised is incredibly rewarding.” Kendall Lee-Daughtery

But this is just the beginning. The Cherokee Nation is looking to expand the program and spread the word about this critical resource. From partnering with local internet service providers or creating a ‘Learn to Earn’ program where residents can earn a laptop by completing an online course, exciting things are on the horizon.

Increasing Access, Affordability, and Adoption for Cherokee Nation

• Helping residents know the various connectivity options available to them. Beginning during COVID, hotspots were distributed throughout the Cherokee Nation to improve connectivity, and Kendall ensured citizens were aware of the hotspots and helped with connectivity. 
• Access to technology. NDNC funding has provided laptops to qualifying Cherokee residents and tech support from Kendall.
• Expanding connectivity. Cherokee Nation received federal funding from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Fund to expand connectivity in the very rural parts of Cherokee Nation with 15 new cell towers and 240 miles of fiber.
• Accessing community resources. Kendall utilized the new Connected Learning Center in Catoosa for training classes and workshops.

Cherokee Nation, AT&T, and Compudopt team up to give laptops to students at Kenwood & Oaks Mission Schools. September 10, 2024.

This blog was written in collaboration with Raynor Avenue Public Affairs.