TULSA – On the fifth anniversary of the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling, five major tribal nations gathered to reaffirm their sovereignty and call out what they see as continued attacks by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.
The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, which includes the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations, passed a pointed resolution denouncing Gov. Stitt’s public comments and actions that they say have deepened divisions and undermined tribal sovereignty.
“Public statements by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt have repeatedly sought to undermine the sovereignty of tribal nations,” the council wrote in a resolution read aloud at the July 11 meeting.
Fallout From McGirt Still Felt
The McGirt decision, issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in July 2020, reaffirmed that much of eastern Oklahoma remains tribal land for purposes of federal criminal law. The ruling effectively shifted jurisdiction in many criminal cases involving Native Americans from the state to tribal or federal courts.
“You’ve heard about McGirt. It’s still on our minds. It’s on our hearts,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, noting that the Nation has invested over $300 million since the ruling.
“The criminal justice system in Oklahoma is better than it’s ever been,” added Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, citing enhanced tribal efforts and increased law enforcement resources.
But Stitt, himself a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has consistently criticized the decision and has had ongoing disputes with tribes over jurisdiction and compact agreements during his two terms.
A Call for Unity and Respect
The tribes made clear they won’t back down.
“The Inter-Tribal Council resents the negative statements from Gov. Kevin Stitt, which threaten to reverse decades of progress in inter-governmental relations and tribal-state cooperation,” the resolution reads.
The Council emphasized the importance of collaboration — not just between tribes and the state, but also with local governments. The Cherokee Nation, for example, has cross-deputization agreements with every law enforcement agency across its 7,000-square-mile reservation.
“The Inter-Tribal Council affirms its continued support for productive inter-governmental cooperation… grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility and good-faith partnerships,” the resolution added.
A Legacy of Solidarity
The Five Civilized Tribes, representing nearly 900,000 Native Americans, have a long history of working together in Oklahoma. Since the Inter-Tribal Council’s founding 75 years ago, its quarterly meetings have served as a platform to update communities, pass joint legislation, and present a united voice on state and federal policies.
This quarter’s gathering, hosted by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, drew nearly 900 attendees — possibly a record turnout, according to leaders.
The next council meeting will be hosted by the Choctaw Nation in October, continuing a legacy of collective advocacy and tribal unity.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Leave a Reply