Promised Land | February

(OKLAHOMA) These stories are part of the Oklahoma Media Center’s Promised Land collaborative effort, which shows how the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma decision affects 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 February:

With Muscogee reservation question settled, tribal attorneys look to future talks with Oklahoma

The Oklahoman | By Chris Casteel 

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last month to let stand its ruling on the Muscogee (Creek) reservation provides a new opportunity for Native American tribes and the state of Oklahoma to reach agreements on criminal and civil issues, top attorneys for the Cherokee and Chickasaw Nations said Thursday. 

Read the full story here.

Stitt talks tax cuts, education, McGirt in ‘State of the State’

KFOR | By K. Querry-Thompson

On Monday, Gov. Kevin Stitt held his fourth ‘State of the State’ address to begin the 2022 legislative session. During the speech, Stitt addressed the coronavirus pandemic, schools, and the budget. He also spoke about his ongoing fight regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt ruling.

Read the full story here.

Quapaw Nation building law enforcement network

The Joplin Globe | By Debby Woodin

Officials of the Quapaw Nation and multiple law enforcement agencies have signed agreements to cross-deputize officers so that they can work together on criminal investigations and arrests on tribal land.

Read the full story here.

Activists charged in tribal court

Mvskoke Media | By Jerrad Moore

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has filed felony charges against two activists accused of assault and battery of a police officer. Jacob Wind and Sandy Williams were participating in a demonstration to free Leonard Peltier, the imprisoned American Indian Movement member convicted of aiding and abetting the murder of two FBI agents in 1977.

Read the full story here. 

With $250,000 city incentive approved, Okmulgee grocer’s decision on second store unclear

NonDoc | By Joe Tomlinson 

After the Okmulgee City Council unanimously passed a $250,000 incentive package Jan. 18 so Warehouse Market would re-establish a grocery store at its previous 420 E. 8th St. location, it remains unclear whether the company will continue to operate its current location, which has been embroiled in a state-tribe dispute over sales tax jurisdiction.

Read the full story here.

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

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 VNN.

Read more about the Promised Land project here.