Mayor Monroe Nichols of Tulsa and Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill announced a settlement agreement focused on public safety and jurisdictional cooperation. Under the agreement, municipal cases involving tribal citizens that occur within Tulsa city limits and within the Muscogee Nation boundaries will be heard in tribal court. The agreement, posted on the City of Tulsa’s website, outlines procedures for handling such cases and is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen city-tribal collaboration.
Under the agreement, the Tulsa Police Department will continue to handle traffic enforcement and other responsibilities. A working group will be formed to review public safety procedures in municipal cases, including booking and detention, and will release a report with its findings. Mayor Nichols said, “Our city can only benefit if we collaborate and approach our work together rather than individually. We are stronger together, and we can show the nation how municipalities and tribal governments can work together to create better outcomes for all our residents.” Chief Hill said, “These efforts by the Nation to provide robust public safety priorities in our communities are enhanced when we are able to work closely in cooperation with state and local agency partners,” according to the City of Tulsa.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. commented on the new agreement between Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation, calling it a step toward cooperation. “Mayor Monroe Nichols and Chief David Hill have demonstrated thoughtful leadership in reaching this agreement. Governor Stitt remains hopelessly on the wrong side of history while the rest of us chart a course for co-governing alongside tribes in the 21st century,” Hoskin said. The agreement supports tribal sovereignty, keeps rules consistent for all citizens, and maintains public safety. Mayor Nichols also plans to explore similar agreements with other tribal nations, as mentioned by the City of Tulsa.
