"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Nation Hastings Hospital

"The first baby born at Cherokee Nation Hastings Hospital after the tribe assumed operations was Cordae Shine, a Creek citizen, from Eufaula. Pictured are Jamie Harris and Cordae (sitting) with nursing staff Carol Glory, RN; Rebel Nelson, RN; Sonja Whitmire, RN; Megan Craig, Nurse Aid; and Rita Easter, RN."

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The first baby boy and girl have been delivered at W.W. Hastings Hospital since operation of the hospital was assumed by the Cherokee Nation.

Cordae Shine (Creek), the son of Javon Shine and Jamie Harris of Eufaula, was born on October 1 at 3:38 p.m. Cordae weighed 4 lbs 4 oz and was 16 inches long at birth. Abigail Hopping (Cherokee Nation citizen) and the daughter of Andrea Hopping of Westville, was born October 2 at 4:31 a.m. Abigail weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and was 19 inches long at birth.

“We like to say we deliver the Nation’s future,” said Dr. Gregg Woitte, Director of the Women’s Clinic at the hospital. “We have done a good job in the past and we will continue to offer high quality care under the administration of Cherokee Nation.”

Harris was preparing for delivery during the ceremony changing administration from Indian Health Service (IHS) to the Cherokee Nation. The ceremony included many dignitaries from Cherokee Nation, IHS, Creek Nation and others.

“I thought it was pretty awesome,” said Jamie Harris, the mother of baby boy Cordae. “I saw the Creek Nation bus here earlier in the day but I didn’t know our Chief and Council were here. As soon as he (Cordae) was born the nurses seemed pretty excited and said he was the first under the change.”

Each baby received a special gift from the Cherokee Nation for being the first children born after the change occurred. The gift package included a play pen, car seat, blankets, clothing, safety latches and other baby products.

“I thought it was neat,” said Andrea Hopping, mother of baby girl Abigail. “I didn’t have a car seat or the things we were given. I am very excited and very thankful to the Cherokee Nation.”