Unique car tag agreement being discussed between Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation
Oklahoma has proposed a new car tag compact deal to save negotiations with the Cherokee Nation.
By Katie Hallum, KOSU
Gov. Kevin Stitt has proposed a potential two-compact deal with Cherokee Nation that would differ from the ones signed by the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations.
An existing compact would remain in effect for tribal citizens living on the Cherokee Nation reservation. Meaning citizens can continue to purchase car tags at Cherokee tag agencies at the price set by the tribe.
For tribal members living at-large or off-reservation, a new compact would be in place. Plates and tags can still be purchased from Cherokee tag offices, but a 40-60 deal would apply where 60 percent of revenue would go to the state. Currently, the revenue is split 35-65.
In previous negotiations, Stitt expressed his desire for the unpaid toll fees, which he says amount to more than $8 million, to be paid in full. The governor’s office says under this potential new deal, the Cherokee Nation would only need to pay half.
Additionally, the governor stipulates the reservation boundaries be strictly enforced for the original compact, and Cherokee Nation provide driver information to law enforcement agencies to levy these tolls.
The governor’s office expressed optimism at this new deal.
“The State has every reason to be optimistic that the Cherokee Nation will accept the fair offer that is full of concessions intended to address each of the Cherokee Nation’s concerns,” said a statement from the Office of the Governor. “We look forward to a favorable response.”
The Cherokee Nation has previously sought help from state legislators to renew the compact. Cherokee leaders said they appreciate the governor’s steps in the negotiation and are hopeful for a good outcome. But according to the tribe, despite what may happen, they’ll still move forward with distributing their own tags.
“I want to be clear that come January 1, 2025, we will continue issuing Cherokee Nation vehicle tags and titles to our citizens within the reservation – regardless of the outcome of the compact negotiations,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. “The question will be whether the state of Oklahoma wants to continue to share in the benefits of that system. As a sovereign nation, we can’t be forced into an unfair compact that is bad for our people – and bad for all Oklahomans.”
The current agreement expires January 1.
Several Northern Oklahoma tribes awarded domestic violence assistance grants
The United States Department of Justice awarded nine Oklahoma tribal nations $6.2 million under two programs.
By Katie Hallum, KOSU
The Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program allocated funding to tribes to decrease domestic violence incidents within the reservation and to provide support to tribes exercising sovereign authority over these crimes and the perpetrators.
The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma received the largest amount under this fund, totaling at $1,169,642. Following that was the Eastern Shawnee Tribe at $793,463; the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma at $792,148; the Quapaw Nation at $600,000 and the Delaware Tribe of Indians at $282,632.
In addition to this, the 2024 Office for Victims of Crime Tribal Victim Services Program awarded funds to support victims’ needs through traditional and cultural services as identified by the tribes.
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe, the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, and the Osage Nation each received $441,989. The Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma also received $394,653; the Seneca Cayuga Tribe $254,413 and the Shawnee Tribe $229,973 respectively.
According to the DOJ, four out of five Native people have been or will be the victim of domestic violence in their lifetime.
A 2023 report from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office shows Oklahoma has seen a steady increase in intimate partner related offenses and homicide. In the past four years, there have been over 100 victims of domestic violence related murders.
Oklahoma currently ranks third in the nation for intimate partner homicide, and number one for domestic violence offenses.
OKCPhil sets world premiere of Tate composition
OKLAHOMA CITY – Renowned classical music composer Jerod “Impichchaachaaha'” Tate is set to debut a new composition with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic titled “American Indian Symphony.”
The April 19, 2025, concert will be a world premiere and Oklahoma City Philharmonic (OKCPHIL) officials are eagerly anticipating the performance, which will be featured at the Civic Center Music Hall downtown. Tickets are on sale now.
Tate, a Chickasaw citizen, has selected two esteemed soloists for the event. They include Dr. Kirsten C. Kunkle, a prominent First American soprano from the Muscogee Nation, and Mark Billy, a Verdi baritone of Choctaw ancestry.
They will be joined by Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma’s premier symphony chorus, enhancing the cultural depth of the performance, according to Jenni Shrum, public information officer for the orchestra.
Tate’s compositions have resonated with audiences at performances in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institution and Lincoln Center. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2024 USA Fellowship, Tate continues to enrich musical landscapes with his profound cultural insights. Orchestras are celebrating his unique fusion of classical music and First American traditions, OKCPHIL officials said when announcing the world premiere.
“I am like many artists who represent their culture and ethnicity in their artistic works. Generally, I allow myself to be intensely influenced by musical architecture, melodies and the rich ethos of North American tribal cultures,” Tate said. “Sometimes a listener can hear noticeably clear cultural melodies soaring above the orchestra. Sometimes they can hear mixed meters and rhythmic phrases familiar to each tribe. One thing that is consistent is my emotional, dramatic and theatric presentations,” he explained.
Under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, “American Indian Symphony” promises a rich orchestral tapestry that accentuates the rhythmic and melodic traditions of First American music, delivering a powerful cultural experience.
“I am personally extremely excited for the world premiere and Jerod Tate’s ‘American Indian Symphony’ as it is the culmination of a several yearslong creative partnership,” Mickelthwate said. “Storytelling through music is extremely powerful. To have the opportunity here in Oklahoma to have a Chickasaw classical composer create a piece of music about Native American storytelling is completely unique and amazing and has never been done before. It will be an honor for all of us at the OKCPHIL (to perform) Tate’s latest composition.”
Tate is a resident of Oklahoma City and was born in Norman.
Tate’s work and the orchestra’s involvement are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit OKCphil.org.
Native American Culture to Take Center Stage at
SSC’s Tribal Fest
Seminole State College will celebrate Native American culture and heritage during its annual Tribal Fest on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the SSC campus and will feature a variety of activities, performances and local tribal resources.
The day will begin with a Browsing Fair from 9 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. at Cook’s Commons, where attendees can explore booths from local tribal organizations. Activities will include a special dance performance by SSC alumnus Asa Samuels, who was named Mr. Indigenous OU in 2023.
Beading demonstrations will also be conducted, and local Tribal Princesses will meet and greet attendees.
The SSC Belles women’s basketball team will also be on-site, signing autographs. Of the 16 players on the Belles’ roster, 10 are Native American, representing the Absentee Shawnee, Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Comanche, Creek, Delaware, Kiowa, Rosebud Sioux, Sac and Fox, Seminole and Wichita tribes.
Visitors can enjoy food from the Fry Bread Express Food Truck throughout the morning.
At noon, attendees are invited to the Jeff Johnston Auditorium for a special performance by Native American hoop dancer Eric Hernandez. Hernandez, a member of the Lumbee Tribe, is known for his dynamic performances and previously served as the lead character and dancer in Cirque du Soleil’s “TOTEM,” which toured in over 17 countries. His work showcases the art of hoop dancing while promoting cultural understanding and breaking stereotypes.
This event is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by several federal grant programs on SSC’s campus, including Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions, Talent Search, Upward Bound and Student Support Services/SSS STEM.
