Inter-Tribal Council Approves Resolution Supporting Bipartisan Bills Promoting Truth, Justice and Healing

TULSA, Okla. - Leaders of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes met for their quarterly meeting at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa recently and unanimously passed several resolutions.

ITC approved a resolution supporting the bipartisan bills promoting truth, justice and healing by a full investigation of the Indian boarding school era, urging the U.S. Congress to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024 and President Joe Biden to sign it into law. The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024 was introduced to establish a Congressional Commission for the purposes of formally investigating, documenting and reporting on the histories of Indian boarding schools. The Five Tribes unanimously passed the resolution of support for the bills.

"Following a long and devastating history of cultural assimilation and mandatory boarding school policies, the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act of 2024 will begin the process of shedding light on this hidden and dark chapter," leaders of the Five Tribes said in a joint statement. "A full accounting of the Indian boarding school era is necessary to advance the truth, justice and healing for Native American communities and Tribal Nations that were severely harmed."

The ITC also unanimously approved resolutions that:

• Support the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act:
  • Supports legislation expanding Ocmulgee National Monument boundary. The new effort expands Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park to National Park and Preserve.
• Address Housing Needs for Tribal Citizens:
  • Urges the Administration and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure equitable allocation of federal funding and advocates for equity for tribal families, elders and children. Ensures the Indian Housing Block Grant continues to provide equity for Tribal programs.
• Oppose the Muscogee Nation of Florida's Federal Acknowledgment:
  • Requests the Office of Federal Acknowledgment to permanently reject the petition.
• Demand Atlanta Braves Organization Apology:
  • Calls on the Atlanta Braves Organization to apologize and no longer honor fraudulent groups calling themselves tribes based on an incident June 29, 2024. Urges meaningful consultations with federally recognized Native American tribes.
• Recognize Career of U.S. Sen. James Inhofe:
  • Recognizes the contribution of former U.S. Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma and expresses gratitude for his service and contributions to the people of Oklahoma.

The next ITC meeting will be hosted by the Choctaw Nation.