Tribal leaders react to Governor Stitt’s final State of the State address

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his final State of the State Address on February 2, doubling down on his “One Oklahoma” message and criticizing the Mcguirt decision that ruled much of Eastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa County, is still reservation land.

“I’m proud of Oklahoma’s heritage, from the Native Americans who lived on this land and those who participated in the Land Run, to statehood,” Stitt said. “We have an amazing history.” 

Notably missing from his speech was the acknowledgement of Tribal and Native contributions today. 

Instead, Stitt said the people need to come together and protect the vision cast in 1907.

“All laws should apply equally to all Oklahomans,” Stitt said. “No exceptions. An Indian named Kevin Stitt shouldn’t be treated differently than a single mom of a different race.”

He continued on to compare DEI programs of the Biden administration to tribal law, saying the “issue” of tribal law will continue to split Oklahoma unless it is addressed head on.

Several tribal leaders were in attendance and shared critical reactions to Stitt’s comments as well as relief that it was his last State of the State Address.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill said, “The Governor, once again, proved that he has no true understanding of the state which he governs. Oklahoma's proud Indigenous history certainly doesn't include participating in a run for land, tribal citizens are not poachers for exercising treaty rights, and DEI policies have absolutely nothing to do with people having the specific political rights and status of citizens belonging to sovereign Nations.”

The Muscogee Nation previously sued the City of Tulsa over jurisdiction issues. Last summer, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols worked out a settlement agreement with the Nation, which was criticized by Stitt who vowed to challenge it.

Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Principal Chuck Hoskins Jr. had strong words for Stitt’s criticism of tribal sovereignty during his State of the State Address, saying the governor was effectively calling for the termination of tribal government.

“Governor Stitt sees termination of tribal sovereignty as the final solution to imagined problems,” said Hoskins Jr. “His issues are not rooted in the complexity of law and policy, but rather an objection over our very existence.”

“Fortunately,” Hoskins Jr. continued, “he spoke to a chamber that, on a bipartisan basis, has overwhelmingly rejected his 19th century termination mindset.”

Stitt was also criticized by state leadership, including members of his own party, for his comments about tribes and the state’s relationship with them.

Scott Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee) is a Choctaw citizen who serves as the leader of Tribal and External Affairs for the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He said Stitt’s comments on tribal relations “made a mockery of our state’s unique history.”

Fetagger also accused Stitt of destroying partnerships between state and tribal leaders that took decades to build.

"When the governor, in his last State of the State speech, had the opportunity to correct the wrongs he has inflicted on our state’s tribes, he instead chose to exacerbate the divide and ignore the partnerships that have benefited Oklahomans for years in health care, public safety, education, infrastructure and many other areas of potential collaboration,” said Fetagger. 

Gary Batton, the Chief of the Choctaw Nation reiterated the place that tribes have had in Oklahoma.

“Unlike corporate entities that can come and go, the Choctaw Nation has always been and will always be a vital part of Oklahoma,” said Batton. “We wish Gov. Stitt could see this. Until then, we will continue to work with the Legislature and other officials to advance everyone’s interests.”

After expressing disappointment over Stitt’s comments, tribal leaders expressed relief that this was his last State of State address.

“The only good thing I can say about the Governor’s comments regarding tribal matters, is that they are his last in the Oklahoma people’s house,” Hill said.

Read the full State of the State Address here.