Tribal leaders brace for more hits to Indian Country from Trump administration
By Sarah Liese (Twilla) KOSU
Tribal nations across Oklahoma are feeling pressure from grant freezes, budget cuts and layoffs by the federal government in the early days of the Trump administration.
The uncertainty and snap changes are creating stress. At an Oklahoma State University panel for the school’s 2025 Tribal Summit, some leaders sounded the alarm about the impacts of the administration and its Department of Government Efficiency.
Rocky Barrett is the Chairman of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Shawnee. He spoke on a summit panel about tribal leadership planning for the future and raised concerns about a potential threat that could undermine tribal sovereignty.
Barrett explained that land held in trust by the federal government is known as an equitable trust, meaning the U.S. is the deed owner.
“The difference between an equitable trust and a legal trust is the fact that the federal government could, at will, take our assets, even though there have been, you know, we've had 38 treaties,” he said on the panel.
Barrett said that’s why his tribe is putting more effort into developing assets, such as Sovereign Bank, that are not “subject to the whims of an administration” and may not adhere to their agreement.
Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said he hadn’t heard of that thought process before regarding the taking of land held in trust being taken away from tribes but said Barrett’s theory could be sound.
Standing Bear’s primary concern centered on his community and citizens impacted by the BIA office closure in Pawhuska and the layoff of Osage Agency agent Adam Trumbly.
He mentioned another layoff threat lingers involving BIA employees, saying Oklahoma’s Eastern Regional BIA Office has already submitted a reduction in force, or RIF, list to federal officials in Washington DC.
“As many of you know that all the agencies are supposed to have that list together by March 13,” he addressed the crowd at the panel.
He said 10 to 40 percent of these employees may be “separated.”
Despite more people potentially losing their jobs that support Indian Country, Standing Bear noted Indigenous people can overcome like they always have.
“The only way to survive this is as we always have survived it as a people— try as you can to be unified, but we have to have territorial integrity,” he said. “And we have to maintain our cultures.”
Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Sovereign Bank is a financial supporter of KOSU. But we cover them like any other newsmaker.
Chickasaw Nation Motor Vehicle Tag Program renewed to provide Chickasaw tags
For the last 10 years, the Chickasaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma have had an agreement for Chickasaw citizens to drive in Oklahoma and on any U.S. Road with Chickasaw license plates on their vehicles.
Chickasaws living in Oklahoma can be issued a motor vehicle tag with the tribe’s own design. In addition to Chickasaw citizens being recognized by their own tribal tag, the Chickasaw Nation has provided more than $20 million in rebates to non-commercial vehicles driving the roadways.
“These tags offer Chickasaw citizens a very visible way to demonstrate their pride in being Chickasaw, while keeping funding for schools, roads, state employee retirement, wildlife conservation and other state programs intact,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said.
While paying the same fees as any other Oklahoman, Chickasaw citizens receive at least a 22% rebate from the Chickasaw Nation for new tags and tag renewal.
In 2024, the compact with Oklahoma was renewed for another 10 years.
Chickasaw citizens participating in the motor vehicle tag program may receive rebates from the tribe via an electronic direct deposit feature. This is accomplished through a collaboration of the Chickasaw Nation and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank.
Chickasaw citizens receive the rebate after purchasing a Chickasaw license plate at state licensed tag agencies located throughout Oklahoma. Citizens must provide their citizenship card at the agency at the time of purchase.
After the purchase, a rebate will be issued for the license plate fees and taxes. This is a continual benefit that is applied at every registration renewal or payment of excise tax.
To receive the direct deposit payment, participants must register for the J.P. Morgan/Concourse program. The auto pay feature allows all future rebates to go directly to the user’s bank account without manually accepting reimbursement for each new tag or renewal.
While rebates only apply to motor vehicles, other Chickasaw tags include travel trailers and mobile homes. Tags can be customized online at Oklahoma. gov. A special form must be completed and there is an additional $20 cost. These plates have a seven-character maximum. In 30 to 60 days (four to six weeks), participants will receive their new vanity plates in the mail.
Individuals with a verified physical disability can receive a disabled Chickasaw plate at no charge if it is their first plate.
The Chickasaw license plates are bright blue and depict the Chickasaw warrior statue as sculpted by late renowned artist and former Seminole Nation Principal Chief Enoch Kelly Haney.
The original compact was signed in October 2014 with former Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. Governor Fallin expressed that the compact was another example of the state of Oklahoma working together with the Chickasaw Nation on a project that benefits both the tribe and the state. The first Chickasaw Nation vehicle tags were issued in early 2015.
Governor Anoatubby also expressed his excitement about the motor vehicle tags.
“We are pleased to work with the state to offer Chickasaw Nation license plates,” Governor Anoatubby said.
For more information about the motor vehicle tag program and how to register for a rebate, call (580) 272-5798 or visit Chickasaw.net/ LicensePlate.
Comanche Red River Hotel Casino to Expand with Groundbreaking Pool Addition
Devol, Okla., - Comanche Red River Hotel Casino is making a splash with the addition of two new pools, enhancing the resort-style experience for its guests. Construction is set to begin Tuesday, March 11 and is expected to be completed this summer.
“Creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere at Comanche Red River has been a priority for us,” said Sterling Ticeahkie, general manager of Comanche Red River Hotel Casino. “A pool area adds another layer to the guest experience, giving visitors even more ways to unwind and enjoy their stay.”
The new pool area will feature expansive poolside seating, private cabanas and a covered patio with additional countertop seating. Guests can also enjoy furnished seating with tables, a dog run area and a space for lawn games such as cornhole and pickleball.
Both of the pools will be approximately 60 feet long by 19 feet wide. Pools will be open to guests of all ages, welcoming families to make use of the new amenities.
“These new additions are part of our continued commitment to enhancing the guest experience,” said Steven Doyle, CEO of Comanche Nation Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to welcoming even more visitors and providing a resort where they can relax, dine, play and stay all under the same roof.”
For more information about Comanche Nation Entertainment, visit www.comanchenationentertainment.com.
Jacobson House hosts the Native Blues Festival!
Festival Hosts
Jacobson House Native Art Center
Rock the Native Vote
Date | Time | Location
Saturday, March 15, 2025
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Jacobson House Native Art Center
609 Chautauqua Ave
Norman, OK 73069
*This is an alcohol and smoke free event
Parking Map
CLICK HERE
Festival Entry Cost:
$5 Minimum Donation (per person)
OU Students Free (must present ID)
Ages 12 and Under Free
Performance Line-Up:
12:00 to 1:00 - Cecil Gray Native Blues Band
1:30 to 2:30 - Justice Johnson
2:45 to 3:45 - Wewoka Switch Tony
4:00 to 5:00 - AJ Harvey
5:30 to 6:30 - Chebon Tiger Trio
7:00 to 8:00 - Redmen Blues Band
Food Vendors
Unite the People Native Catering
Rachel Big Soldier
Bobby James
Spring Art Market Vendors
Alzinna Design
Arvo Mikkanen
Ashley's Crafts and Hobbies
Bird’s Jewelry
BJames Designs
Blair's Beads
Brave Art
Brian Landreth
Christine's Crafts & Gifts
Cloud Designs
Ekvn-like (Mound of Earth)
Fields of Fire
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Behavioral Health
Janine Bond
KreativeNative
Lauren Kelly
LEVI Art's
M & M Native Crafts
Munje Creations
Native Creations
Oklahoma Thirty-Nine
RedBird Art Collective
Red Dirrty Cre8ion Station
Rugged 1 Designs
Semurai Designs
Sky Native designs
Tawodi Designs
That Shawnee Girl
TMT Native Designs
Two Little Indians Trading Post
Festival Sponsors
Chickasaw Nation
Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
Norman Arts Council
Lazy Circles Brewing Co.
