The state Capitol is slated to host Oklahoma Treaty Day today, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., an event underscored by the gravity of treaties in matters spanning public safety to the economy. The convening, orchestrated by the Oklahoma Native Caucus and Tribal Leaders, aims to spotlight the enduring relevance of treaties between the United States and Tribal Nations, particularly within the Oklahoman context.
Senator Mary Boren, D-Norman, emphasized the evergreen nature of such treaties, stating, "Treaties are not just historical documents. They are living agreements – solemn promises made by the United States government to sovereign Tribal Nations." Boren punctuated this statement by underscoring the role that these treaties have historically played and continue to play in defining land rights, governance, and legal jurisdictions within the state—an acknowledgment of past commitments and a guiding principle for future interactions.
Scheduled for a 10:00 a.m. start in room 535 of the Capitol, the program will feature a roster of representatives from several of Oklahoma's federally recognized tribes. The lineup include individuals like LaRenda Morgan from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Wilson Pipestem of Pipestem Law, and Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, along with a number of other notable tribal figures and experts.
In a demonstration of the significance placed on these treaties by state legislators, Senator Boren noted, "Honoring treaties is a unique responsibility of state legislators and it’s the key to building a more just and inclusive Oklahoma for generations to come." This sentiment reflects an understanding of the treaties not simply as artifacts of a bygone era, but as living documents that continue to direct the present and future social, cultural, and political tapestry of Oklahoma.
The significance of this event is compounded by the participation of key figures such as Kiowa Tribe Chairman Lawrence Spottedbird and Kim Teehee, the Cherokee Nation Delegate to Congress. This lineup promises to imbue the proceedings with a wealth of knowledge and experiences from the pulse of tribal governance and representation. Participants and observers are invited to engage with these leaders as they chart the intersections of history and policy, and reckon with the contractual relationships that have shaped the shared story of tribal nations and the state of Oklahoma. More details on Treaty Day can be found on the Oklahoma State Senate's official website.
