Governor Stitt’s Oklahoma Commission on Cooperative Sovereignty released its initial recommendations report for the State and Congress in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt v. Oklahoma decision. That held the Muscogee Creek Reservation had never been de-established by Congress. The immediate impact was on criminal justice, but taxation and other issues are likely to arise when it comes to jurisdictional issues between the tribes and Oklahoma.
“The questions caused by the McGirt decision have put our state at a crossroads,” said Stitt. “But where some see a major challenge for our state, I see an opportunity. We can work together and secure our future as One Oklahoma, maintaining our diversity and sharing the vision of becoming a Top Ten state.”
The Commission, chaired by Devon Energy co-founder Larry Nichols, outlined five principals to “ensure consistency and stability for both the State of Oklahoma and Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations.
Those principals include:
- All Oklahomans should be treated equally under the law, and fairly represented by their commonly elected State officials.
- All Oklahomans should share, as provided under Oklahoma law and without regard to race, gender or affiliation, in the funding of the common services provided by the State to its residents.
- Laws, regulations and government services as established by our commonly elected officials should apply consistently to all residents of Oklahoma regardless of race, gender or affiliation.
- Oklahoma must provide a level playing field for all businesses to compete and flourish, regardless of where, within the boundaries of the State of Oklahoma, they are located.
- The State of Oklahoma supports, values and embraces the culture and uniqueness of each of the tribes that reside within Oklahoma, and supports the sovereignty of these tribes in a way that is consistent with these principals.
Nichols said there is more work for the Commission to do.
“This report from the Commission is the first step to addressing the uncertainty that we are facing, but there is still work to be done,” said Nichols. “I look forward to continuing to partner with the governor, our congressional delegation, tribal and state leaders and Oklahomans as we strive to build a better Oklahoma.”
Stitt said he wants to find a path forward for all Oklahomans.
“As governor, I represent members of all 39 tribes and all 4 million Oklahomans. This is why one set of rules is so essential to becoming a Top Ten state. These recommendations will help guide our response as we continue to work together with all stakeholders and provide clarity, fairness and unity for Oklahoma,” said Stitt.
The full report can be found here.
You can watch the press conference releasing the Commission’s recommendations below.
