OKLAHOMA CITY – Tribal governments and businesses had a $23.4 billion impact on the statewide economy in FY 2023, according to the United for Oklahoma Economic Impact of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma report that was released May 23, 2025.
Oklahoma City University Economics Professor Kyle D. Dean examined 2023 data, which included employment, tribal business, and capital projects expenditures, to arrive at the overall financial contributions Tribal Nations bring to the state.
Oklahoma is home to 38 Native Nations, however just 19 are represented in the report, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation included.
According to the report, the participating Nations directly employed 55,695 workers in Oklahoma and paid out $3.3 billion in wages and benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans.
The $23.4 billion represents the largest increase in economic activity between fiscal years to date. The increase from FY 2019 to FY 2023 is a $4.9 billion increase, almost double the impact of FY 2017 to 2019.
“The positive impact of our tribal nations has long been known in Oklahoma,” said State Representative Scott Fetgatter (Choctaw) R-Okmulgee, according to a press release.
“This report gives concrete data to show just how significant that impact is to all of the people who call our state home – whether that be through stable and secure housing, good-paying jobs, education, health care services, contributions to our state infrastructure or much more. That’s not even accounting for the cultural enrichment the tribes bring to our state. I’m grateful for the relationship we have with the leaders and citizens of our tribal nations.”
United For Oklahoma is a public education initiative supported by a coalition of tribes that are committed to nurturing mutual respect, shared strength and productive partnerships.
