Five Tribes support retention of three Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices

DURANT, Okla. - The Inter-Tribal Council voted unanimously to support the retention of Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices Noma D. Gurich, Yvonne Kauger and James E. Edmondson.

A resolution approved by the Tribal leaders noted the three justices - who are the only three up for retention on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot - have demonstrated a commitment and diligence in following Oklahoma law, as well as their understanding of tribal sovereignty.

"The State Supreme Court justices on the ballot this year have served honorably and fairly to uphold Oklahoma's constitution and laws. Like a majority of Oklahomans, the justices recognize that our state does best when it respects the sovereign rights of tribal governments and works collaboratively with tribes for our shared prosperity," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "Cherokee Nation is proud to join with the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee, and Seminole Nations in supporting the justices to continue their service to Oklahoma."

The resolution states: "We are proud to be Oklahomans and citizens of our nations and strive to partner effectively and collaboratively between our nations and the State of Oklahoma's leadership; we also believe in electing and appointing leaders in Oklahoma's state government who are also good partners to work collaboratively with our sovereign tribal governments."

In a separate resolution, the ITC voted to support the nomination of Patrice Kunesh (Standing Rock Lakota) as chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Kunesh's nomination has been subject to a hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and she awaits confirmation by the full Senate.

Additionally, the ITC voted to support changes to the Indian Health Service's contract support cost policy to expand reimbursements and further statutory commands and the IHS Guiding Policies, while not placing tribes that have opted for self-determination at a disadvantage.

Other resolutions:

• Urged USDA to resolve the food distribution program on Indian reservations
• Supported added and strategic funding for the Indian Health Services
• Recommended reporting for HUD grants using the Indian Housing Plan/Annual Performance Report
• Reaffirmed support for the United States implementing the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

During the ITC executive council meeting, Chief Hoskin was elected to serve a year term as ITC's president, a position that rotates among the tribes' leaders.

The next meeting of the ITC will take place Jan. 8-10, 2025, at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa.