Write For Us

WATCH: Cherokee Nation chief on why Oklahoma’s tribes see Gov. Kevin Stitt as ‘existential threat’

Sponsored Post Vitamin D2 Canada Persia
32 Views

  • Thanks! Share it with your friends!

    You disliked this video. Thanks for the feedback!

ava
Published
Link to story: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-a-historic-endorsement-from-oklahomas-5-largest-tribes-could-affect-the-governors-race

The Five Tribes of Oklahoma took an unprecedented step last month by endorsing a candidate in the state governor’s race: Democrat Joy Hofmeister, who is challenging Republican incumbent Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Leaders from the Five Tribes — the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek), Choctaw, and Seminole Nations — praised Hofmeister’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and desire to work with the 39 federally recognized tribes in the state “for the betterment of all Oklahomans.”

Chuck Hoskin Jr., principal chief of the Cherokee Nation said he believes this is the most important governor’s race in Oklahoma history.

“If we did not endorse in this race, if we didn't do everything we can to beat Kevin Stitt, I think that's malpractice on our part,” he told the PBS NewsHour. “I think it's a dereliction of our duty. I think we're duty-bound to see this governor as [being as] close to an existential threat as you can and to do something about it.”

The move to oppose Gov. Stitt, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is the latest sign of division between the state’s tribal nations and the governor. The tribes have clashed with the governor over tribal gaming compacts, jurisdiction and tribal sovereignty.

Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: https://to.pbs.org/2Jb8twG
Find more from PBS NewsHour at https://www.pbs.org/newshour
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2HfsCD6

Follow us:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pbsnews
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/newshour
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/newshour
Facebook: http://www.pbs.org/newshour

Subscribe:
PBS NewsHour podcasts: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/podcasts
Newsletters: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/subscribe
Category
U.S. & Canada
Tags
Oklahoma, Native Americans, Oklahoma governors race
Sign in or sign up to post comments.
Be the first to comment