Promised Land | October

(OKLAHOMA) These stories are part of the Oklahoma Media Center’s Promised Land collaborative effort, which shows how the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma decision will affect both tribal and non-Indigenous residents in the state.

Here is a look at some of the stories that have been published through the collaborative this October. 

Cole continues to advocate for tribal sovereignty on Indigenous Peoples' Day

The Norman Transcript | By Reese Gorman

Congressman Tom Cole, R-Moore, spoke passionately about the need for tribal sovereignty and the contributions tribal nations make to the state of Oklahoma during a symposium on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Cole, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, has long been a vocal advocate for Native American rights in Congress and in Oklahoma; he co-chairs the Congressional Native American Caucus, and is outspoken on Native rights.

Link to full story. 

New AG: McGirt has turned Eastern Okla. upside down

Enid News & Eagle | By Kelci McKendrick 

The McGirt v. Oklahoma decision has turned Eastern Oklahoma upside-down, Attorney General John O’Connor said, adding that he is fighting to get the U.S. Supreme Court to either overturn the ruling or make a “very clear statement that McGirt does not have civil implications.”

Link to full story. 

Oklahoma Gov. Stitt, attorney general are 'enemies of sovereignty,' Cherokee leader says

The Oklahoman | By Molly Young

For months, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has criticized the “dysfunctional chaos” of a landmark Supreme Court ruling that changed how crimes involving Native Americans are prosecuted.

Link to full story.

New McGirt edict ‘changed everything’ by closing door on older cases

Cherokee Phoenix | By Chad Hunter 

Criminal cases eligible for review under 2020’s landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling has narrowed following a recent state decision that closed doors to convictions finalized pre-McGirt. A year after the McGirt ruling, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that it did not apply retroactively.

Link to full story. 

Tribes talk about intergovernmental agreements with state following McGirt ruling

Tahlequah Daily Press | By Janelle Stecklein

Oklahoma counties and municipalities have begun entering into new intergovernmental agreements and working with their tribal neighbors following last year’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling, and tribal leaders said they’re hopeful state officials will soon be willing to do the same.

Link to full story.

“Promised Land” is a project of the Local Media Foundation with support from the Inasmuch Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation and the Democracy Fund. 

The print, digital and broadcast media partners include: CNHI Oklahoma, Cherokee Phoenix, Curbside Chronicle, The Frontier, Griffin Communications, KFOR, KGOU, KOSU, The Lawton Constitution, Moore Monthly, Mvskoke Media, the Native American Journalists Association, NonDoc, The O’Colly, Oklahoma City Free Press, The Oklahoma Eagle, Oklahoma Gazette, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma Watch, Osage News, StateImpact Oklahoma, Tulsa World, Telemundo Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma Student Media and Verified News Network.

Read more about the Promised Land project here.