Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Chickasaw Nation filed a federal lawsuit in United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma naming Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt; his recently appointed special prosecutor, Russ Cochran; and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation as defendants.
The lawsuit argues that Gov. Stitt lacks the authority to appoint a special prosecutor for wildlife crimes on tribal land. It also claims his directives to ODWC violate tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction, as affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 McGirt ruling.
Leaders from the state’s three largest tribes reacted to the continued unlawful citation of Indigenous hunters on tribal land.
“We are proud to stand today with our fellow sister nations in defense of tribal sovereignty, which protects our Native citizens on tribal land,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.
“By targeting hunters and fishers legally exercising their treaty rights, against the advice of the Oklahoma attorney general, Governor Stitt is once again showing Oklahomans he cares more about attacking tribal sovereignty than helping the state. The governor, as he did when he terminated our longstanding wildlife compacts, continues to reject a path of cooperation, and force a path of litigation. We appreciate the work of Attorney General Drummond and other partners throughout the state who respect tribal rights and Oklahoma values, and we will continue to defend our traditions and the rights of our people in federal court.”
“The Choctaw Nation will defend its rights and those of its members against the Governor’s unlawful prosecution, as hunting and fishing are deeply rooted in our sovereignty and the traditions of the Choctaw people long before this state was founded,” Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton said.
“Gov. Stitt’s attack of our members is causing harm and distress, and we won’t let this overreach continue. We remain committed to conserving, protecting and enhancing wildlife resources, including our continued strong working relationship with ODWC.”
“Our primary aim is to protect the rights of our people to fish and hunt, as protected by treaty and federal law,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said.
“Our treaties are among the supreme law of the land. Our citizens are good people acting in good faith. They are act-ing in compliance with federal and tribal law and with respect for Oklahomans’ private property rights. We stand ready to work with our friends in the state of Oklahoma to ensure accurate reporting of data and to facilitate safe and enjoyable hunting and fishing for all Oklahomans.”
