Oklahoma governor renews calls to limit tribal sovereignty

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt renewed calls to limit tribal sovereignty during his final State of the State address on Feb. 2, saying the state’s criminal and taxation laws should apply to every resident without exception, according to KOSU. Stitt said the state should hold sole sovereignty and criticized what he described as different legal standards. Tribal leaders attended the address and expressed concern over the remarks.

In a statement following the speech, Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said Stitt misrepresents the relationship between tribes and the state, stating tribal sovereignty is based on treaties and agreements with the United States. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said Stitt’s comments would erode remaining aspects of tribal sovereignty, while Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill criticized Stitt’s reference to the Land Run of 1889. Oklahoma House Tribal and External Affairs Leader Scott Fetgatter and House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson also issued statements critical of the governor’s remarks, according to KOSU.