Monroe Nichols sworn in as mayor, pledges to support tribal sovereignty

(TULSA, Okla.) Monroe Nichols is officially Tulsa’s 41st mayor, and the first Black mayor of Tulsa following his historic inauguration on Monday.

During his inaugural address, Nichols promised a new day for the City of Tulsa and stressed the importance of including all groups at the table, including Native partners. 

“Before Tulsa was Tulsa it was Indian country,” Nichols said. “188 years later as Tulsa sits on the reservation of three tribal nations, it remains Indian Country.”

The City of Tulsa sits on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation, the Cherokee reservation, and the Osage Nation reservation. 

Monday’s inauguration included the Tulsa Indian Club Singers who performed the Pawnee Honor song for Nichols. Leadership from the three tribes were also present at the inauguration. 

“Their contributions to our economy, culture, and identity are immeasurable,” Nichols said. “While we have issues that will challenge us, I want to be clear that this administration will always stand on the side of tribal sovereignty.”

Throughout his campaign, Nichols promised to collaborate with local tribes and ensure that Native voices are included in the decision making process, a commitment he stressed again on Monday. 

“Soon I will appoint the city's first director of Tribal Policy and Partnerships,” Nichols said. “And I look forward to working with our tribal leaders and the citizens they represent on issues ranging from public safety and economic development, to education and housing. As well as making Tulsa the gateway to Indian Country not only for our origins at the Council Oak Tree, but for the great promise of the future we're about to start building together.”

During his address, Nichols stressed a commitment to addressing homelessness, an issue that disproportionately impacts Native youth in Tulsa at higher rates compared to other groups. 

“Among the homeless population are 3,000 individuals currently sitting on the wait list for housing assistance,” said Nichols. “This number matched with the numbers that tell us 46 percent of Tulsans are cost-burdened by housing expenses underscores a need to act to address our affordable housing shortage in our city. As we face the reality that thousands of our neighbors are living without the dignity of a consistent roof over their heads, we must realize that this is not simply a housing issue, it is a moral issue.”

And Nichols stressed the importance of addressing economic inequality, something that also disproportionately impacts Native people in Tulsa, stemming from historical trauma and legalized theft during the Allotment Era. 

“The numbers tell us that one in four Tulsans live in poverty and that number is as high as one in three in North Tulsa,” said Nichols. “Over the next four years, we will prioritize investing in all parts of the city so that everyone has an equal shot. As we seek to do this we will focus on workforce development and infrastructure, champion our local businesses and invest in entrepreneurship, cut the red tape in City Hall to drive down the cost of business in the city, and work to attract diverse industries that can create high-paying stable jobs.”

Nichols stepped into his role as mayor following his time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing the 72nd district since 2016.