NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRIBAL LEADERS SIGN JOINT RESOLUTION

 OPPOSING GOVERNOR STITT’S REPUDIATION OF THE STATE-TRIBAL GAMING COMPACTS

 Media Contact
Robert A. Whitekiller
O: (405) 382-1010
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 12, 2019)– The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes (ITC)  provided a unified, formal and firm response to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent repudiation of the Oklahoma Model Tribal Gaming Compact through a joint resolution signed by the leaders of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole Nations.  The Tribal leaders unanimously agreed and adopted the resolution at the Inter-Tribal Council meeting today at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Okla. 

The ITC is an organization that unites the tribal governments of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations. Leaders of all five nations, which collectively represent more than 750,000 Native people, jointly signed the resolution outlining a clear and strong response to Governor Stitt’s letter dated July 5, 2019, proposing the Tribes negotiate a new Class III gaming compact.Tribal leaders expressed their disappointment in the action by Gov. Stitt to take a matter of such great importance to the media before engaging in respectful and purposeful conversations given the complexity of the compacts and the law.  The ITC memorialized through the joint resolution their collective intent to reject the state’s attempt to unlawfully and unilaterally terminate the compact.

The gaming industry has become a significant driver of Oklahoma’s economy, employing over 55,000 Oklahomans, primarily in rural areas, and paying more than $1.5 billion in exclusivity fees over the past 15 years, mostly for public education. In response to the exclusive fee arrangement outlined in the compacts, Tribes have invested hundreds of millions of those dollars into education, roads, health care, public safety, and tourism to support the betterment of our state for the benefit of all residents.  The tribes’ investments have allowed the state to channel tax revenue to other high priority needs.

During Friday’s general session of the ITC, the tribal leaders detailed the extensive legal history and complexity surrounding gaming compacts and highlighted the current compact, which was approved by Oklahoma voters on November 4, 2004, and approved by the U.S. Secretary of Interior.  The tribes also detailed their concerns that Gov. Stitt made no proposal of any terms, nor presented a framework, for any renegotiation. That noted, the ITC pledged their support for the continuation of the exclusive fee structure and amounts outlined in the current compact. They underscored their confidence in the legal reality that the compact does not expire, but in fact renews on January 1, 2020.

Joint Statement from the Five Tribal Leaders:

 “We have considered the state of Oklahoma a trustworthy partner through the years. Working together we have made strides in building a better, stronger and more prosperous Oklahoma for the benefit of the hundreds of thousands of members of our Tribes who live and work here as well as all residents of this great State.  We can trace the starting point of our constructive partnership to the carefully crafted and balanced approach represented in the current compact negotiated in a respectful manner between the State of Oklahoma and the sovereign Tribes residing in Oklahoma. This compact represents a continuing and mutually beneficial partnership. The recent action of Governor Stitt puts into question his sincerity to work with us in a cooperative manner moving ahead. We are resolute in our position, and it is our hope Governor Stitt and his advisors will not attempt any bad faith interference on the compact which could set back the progress we have achieved by working together.”

Bill John Baker, Principal Chief, The Cherokee Nation

Bill Anoatubby, Governor, The Chickasaw Nation

Gary Batton, Chief, The Choctaw Nation

James R. Floyd, Principal Chief, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Greg P. Chilcoat, Chief, The Seminole Nation

 

###

 

 

2019 BIA HED SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

2019 FALL BIA HED SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION.pdf 344.94 KB 07/03/2019 00:00:00 Download Details View

contact The Seminole Nation Higher Education Office for more information

(405) 716-6040 

 

 

 

 

2019 School Clothing Assistance Program

Applications Online

 

Clothing Program Text Alert Available

 

Services Menu

Judgement Fund Dropdown Tab

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Veterans Information Form

Veterans Services

In order to better serve our veterans, please fill out this form if you have served in the U.S. military Armed Forces at any time. This will assist us in helping our veteran community.

Who is a veteran? “A veteran is an individual who has served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, both combat and non-combat.”

Have you served in the United States military?

2018 Veterans Information Short Form Version X.pdf 30.2 KB 04/09/2018 15:56:09 Download Details View

Job Placement & Training Program

Job Placement and Training Program

  • Do you live in Seminole County?
  • Are you a member of a federally recognized Tribe?
  • Are you interested in a new job skill or in updating your skills?
  • Un-employed or under-employed?

 

Seminole Nation Job Placement & Training
PO Box 1498
Wewoka, OK 74884
 
 
Location: Old Bingo Hall
Mekusukey Mission/Seminole, OK

 

Dee Whitson – Counselor 405-234-5288

Sheila Hooper- Director   405-234-5289

 

 

 

Seminole Nation Job Placement and Training Program

ATTENTION STUDENTS!!!

If you are Native American, 18 or older, live in Seminole County and plan to attend a Vocational -Technical School this fall, please call the Seminole Nation Job Placement & Training Program to see if you are eligible for financial assistance; while attending fulltime, part-time or short-term classes; the amount depends on the number of household members.

Our office is located at the Old Bingo Hall at the Mekusukey Mission south of Seminole.

For further information, please contact Dee Whitson – Employment & Training Counselor 405-234-5288

Let the Housing Authority of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Help you with your Housing Needs

Applications are being accepted for the following programs:

Rental Assistance

The Rental Assistance Program is a rental subsidy program that helps with the family’s monthly rental payment. Assistance is designated for Seminole County only.

Rental Program

The Rental Program provides low cost rental housing.  Low rent units are primarily located in Wewoka although a limited number are also available in Seminole.

Down Payment and Closing Cost Program

The Housing Authority offers a Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program to eligible first-time homebuyers. This assistance can greatly reduce out of pocket expense.

For more information contact the Housing Authority of the Seminole Nation at 405 257 6604.