OKMULGEE, Okla. – Nothing much has changed as of the writing of this column.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is still calling for “I will fight as long as I’m governor to make sure that we’re one state with one state with one set of rules, regardless of your race or where you live.” Yeah? It’s become more clear that he wants to eliminate tribal sovereignty and the federal laws and edicts that have upheld in countless court cases and FEDERAL rulings.
The recent veto overrides made by the Oklahoma Legislature must have really ticked him off. He wants once more to battle tribes in a courtroom over who’s got control over tribal lands. What a waste of time and money. Things were working out just fine until the gov. decided to eliminate “Indian Country.” He’s claimed Oklahomans aren’t wanting this jurisdiction. He seems to forget that a significant number of Oklahoma’s elected representatives voted to override his objections and veto.
Other states have reservations and they don’t seem to have the problems that Stitt has created. Tribes in this state have always maintained they they wish to work cooperatively with state officials. He doesn’t, and would be destined to make his agenda another dark blot on Oklahoma history.
Here’s a reminder. According to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Commission, “The State of Oklahoma collected over $191.5 million in tribal gaming exclusivity fees in fiscal year 2022 under state-tribal gaming compacts. This is an 18% increase over the previous year. Tribes paid the FY 2022 exclusivity fees based on over $3.19 billion in revenue generated from Class III electronic games and non house-banked card games. Since 2005, when tribes first began operating under voter-approved, state-tribal compacts, exclusivity payments have grown year-over-year with only two exceptions: FY 2014 and FY 2020.
To me, that seems like a pretty good deal and why (#@!&*$#) foul that up? That seems like a lot of jobs and bucks for Oklahomans.
All ready for another perceived threat? This one to Mount Rushmore, you know, that mountain in the Black Hills of South Dakota that bears the carved faces of four U.S. Presidents. The U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Federal Lands has considered a bill that would protect the massive sculpture from attempts to ‘alter, change, destroy or remove the monument’.
It seems the NDN Collective has been active in trying to get the massive monument removed and that has upset local politicians. No word on the progress of that legislation.
Still no word on a decision regarding the Creek Freedmen case. That’s going to create quite a reverberation.
Native Americans lost another woman leader and champion, Ada Deer of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin. A true grass roots leader, Deer fought to have her Menominee Tribe restored to federal recognition. It had been terminated from the federal relationship to disastrous economic results.
After her success in that fight, Deer later went on to lead her tribe and to become the first woman to serve as assistant secretary for Indian Affairs. She passed away at the age of 88.
Would you like to see a Native American Barbie? With all the attention on the pink movie, the question was raised by a staff reporter for Native News Online.
There was quite a response. Several well-known Native women were suggested as possible models: Ashley Callingbull, Quannah Chasing Horse, Jana Schmieding, comedian Tonia Jo Hall (“Auntie Beachress”) and actress Paulina Alexis (“Willie Jack”). One suggestion: a regular Native Barbie in a “Skoden” tee shirt and jeans.
You know, there actually was one released in 1993, with several tribal variations throughout the years. A representative from the toymaker Mattel told me decades ago, that it was one their “Dolls of the World” collection. Yes indeed, that one had the well-known famous figure.
Have you seen the latest episodes of “Reservation Dogs”? One of the early August shows had me rooting for the “Deer Lady”. Well-done, brilliant, Sterlin! Imagine, what a twist in writing that story.
Is the Creek Nation behind in its financial reporting? A story by a Mvskoke Media staff member reports that as of mid-August, three years worth of audits were being finalized. Those reports are supposed to be submitted within 12 months after the close of that fiscal year. Again, as of mid-August no response from the controller. That’s a question worth asking,
Be sure to check out the November issues of USA Today. College of the Muscogee Nation students wearing colorful traditional clothing were part of a photoshoot that is planned for November’s Native American Heritage Month. It’s part of a CMN effort to promote the college and recruit students.
O.K., it’s still hotter than heck outside so make sure to take precautions to protect yourself and family from this scorcher out there.
Don’t know how you feel about global warming, but it looks like Mother Nature reminding us of who’s in charge.
Hvtvm—I’ll see you again.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation Mvskoke Media.
I have one of those early Native Barbie dolls. A friend of mine gave it to me. It’s still in the box.