Chief Hill: Oklahomans suffering consequences of Gov. Stitt's attempts to ignore the law
Oklahomans rightly expect their leaders to govern as sensible representatives who seek collaboration and compromise for the greater good. Unfortunately, our current governor's behavior is more schoolyard bully than diplomat. His belief seems to be "finders keepers, losers weepers" when it comes to the state's past illegal disregard of tribal jurisdiction. But as all bullies eventually do, Gov. Kevin Stitt is finding out there are consequences for his actions — consequences the residents and taxpayers of our state ultimately suffer.
The governor recently said he would "not let Eastern Oklahoma become a reservation." It's not. The reality is that nearly every reservation in our state today has existed since before Oklahoma became a state, but politicians like Stitt and others before him chose to act as though they didn't. The same is true for other issues Stitt raises as things the tribes are "asking the courts" to give them. Tribes have not sought any new jurisdiction. From taxation authority to criminal and civil jurisdictions, Stitt has tried to ignore or deny legal authorities that have been well-established for decades; tribes have simply been asking for him to follow those laws.
Now, the governor is reaping what he has sown and grappling with the costs his actions impose on Oklahomans.
He claims the state is losing toll money because its brand-new license plate readers can't read tribal tags. If they are, it is because the governor pretended tribal authority didn't exist and implemented a system with those limitations rather than working with tribal leaders to find a solution.
More: Clash over jurisdiction: What tribal leaders, Gov. Stitt, others say will move Oklahoma forward
Gov. Stitt argues that tribes exercising traffic jurisdiction over their citizens will cost the state money. If that happens, it will be because the state and municipalities have chosen to ignore long-established laws and refused to negotiate in good faith with tribes to develop agreements that work for everyone.
Every issue the governor seeks to lay at the feet of tribal sovereignty is, in truth, an outcome of his own making. But it doesn't have to be this way.
The relationship between the state and tribes is meant to be one of collaboration and cooperation between sovereigns, not a winner-take-all scenario. The presence of sovereign tribes within our state offers a unique opportunity. One need look no further than the billions of dollars tribes have contributed to the economy and directly into the state's account, which the governor recently praised, for things like highways and schools.
Tribes' criminal jurisdiction can and should mean more coordination to benefit from more police on the streets, more courtrooms to try criminals, and more public safety. Collaboration around tribal authorities in other areas can and should mean more economic prosperity and opportunity for everyone in Oklahoma.
But it takes everyone believing in us, together. Unfortunately, Gov. Stitt has refused to engage tribal leaders in meaningful dialogue. Instead, he has chosen false rhetoric and fearful speech. The consequences of his actions will only increase over time.
Tribes did not choose to be in Oklahoma. But we have been here for nearly 200 years and aren't going anywhere.
It remains the hope of many tribal leaders in Oklahoma that the governor will see the damage his actions are causing and change course. Our doors are open, and our hands extended. We stand ready to work with Gov. Stitt when he is prepared to respect our nations and work with us, but that decision is his alone to make. Until then, we all will continue to pay the price of his poor choices.
David Hill is principal chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma tribal leaders ready to work with Gov. Kevin Stitt
