In a notable moment during Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s seventh State of the State address, tribal nations were barely mentioned, unlike in previous years. The speech, delivered on February 5, 2025, focused primarily on economic goals and state values, such as boosting business, cutting taxes, and supporting what Stitt called the “Oklahoma way of life.” However, the omission of Oklahoma’s tribal nations has sparked reactions from leaders across the state.
Tribal leaders, including those from the Cherokee, Muscogee Creek, Chickasaw, and other nations, were present in the state’s House gallery during the speech. Their responses to the Governor’s remarks have ranged from disappointment to hope for future collaboration.
Governor Stitt’s Focus on Business and Tax Cuts
In his address, Governor Stitt focused heavily on principles aimed at enhancing Oklahoma’s economic landscape. He emphasized four key points: protecting taxpayers, making Oklahoma the best state for business, safeguarding state savings, and protecting the Oklahoma way of life.
The Governor introduced initiatives such as DOGE Oklahoma and highlighted plans for reducing income taxes. His speech primarily targeted boosting the state’s business environment and creating an economic framework that he believes would benefit Oklahomans as a whole.
However, in a speech largely directed toward economic issues, Stitt made very little mention of Oklahoma’s Native American tribes or their contributions to the state.
Tribal Leaders Share Their Thoughts
Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Bryan Warner expressed disappointment over the Governor’s failure to mention the state’s tribes. “He talked about four principles, and one of those was to protect the Oklahoma way. Well, without collaboration and without talking about tribal values, I think you’re missing a key ingredient,” Warner said. Despite his disappointment, Warner remains hopeful, believing that the Governor’s speech did highlight some positive economic points.
On the other hand, Muscogee Nation’s Second Chief, Del Beaver, said he would need to see action to believe in the Governor’s promises. “It’s a good speech, but it’s like everything else—proof is in the pudding,” Beaver said, signaling that words alone are not enough, and the tribes need to see concrete efforts from the Governor’s office.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Annoatubby had a more measured response. “He’s the leader of this state, he’s our governor, and he’s setting his agenda. We’re going to follow that and hope it’s good for Oklahoma,” he said.
Oklahoma’s Tribes Contribute Billions to the State
Many critics, including Democratic House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, expressed concern that the Governor failed to acknowledge the tribes in his address. Munson pointed out that tribal nations are major contributors to Oklahoma’s economy, investing billions of dollars in healthcare, childcare, workforce development, and other essential services across the state.
“Our tribes are great partners with the state of Oklahoma. They invest billions of dollars in communities all across our state when it comes to childcare, healthcare, workforce. They take care of their people, they take care of the state of Oklahoma,” Munson stated. “To not acknowledge the tribes and their leaders, who were sitting in the gallery, is a disgrace to his leadership.”
Hopes for Future Collaboration in New Legislative Session
Despite the lack of mention in the Governor’s speech, tribal leaders remain optimistic that the new legislative session will provide a chance for more productive collaboration between the tribes and lawmakers. Over 30 new lawmakers are entering the session, and tribal leaders hope that the fresh faces in the Oklahoma Legislature will be more open to working together to improve the state.
Tribal leaders believe that greater collaboration with the state could bring benefits not only to Native communities but also to all Oklahomans, particularly when it comes to addressing issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development.
Conclusion
Governor Stitt’s State of the State address may have focused on economic goals, but the omission of Oklahoma’s tribal nations has raised concerns. Tribal leaders are calling for more recognition and collaboration in future state initiatives, hoping for positive change in the upcoming legislative session. As the state moves forward, many are watching to see whether the Governor will take the steps necessary to build stronger relationships with the tribal nations that play a crucial role in Oklahoma’s prosperity.
(Source : kosu.org)