At the inaugural ball marking the second term of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, more than a dozen tribal leaders, including several who endorsed and donated to Stitt’s Democratic opponent, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, joined him on stage to salute a new era of cooperation.
Stitt said, “I called the leaders of each of the 39 tribes, invited them to the ceremony and I said to each of them, ‘Let’s work together now.’” Numerous tribal officials told local media they were ready to “extend an olive branch.”
In the past four years, Stitt and tribes have publicly battled over the tribal gaming compact, among many other issues. “This is the first day of the next four years. What happened in the past, let’s put it in the past. This is a bright new day for Oklahoma,” Stitt said.
At the inaugural ceremony, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said, “We always begin a new term of office with open optimism, and that’s what I brought in today.” Hoskin noted Stitt’s second inaugural speech was optimistic, including positive recognition of tribal nations. Stitt is a member of the Cherokee Nation.
Observers said the legislature is likely this year to consider a bill legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma in partnership with tribal casinos. That would require updating the state’s tribal gaming compact; Stitt has said he wants to make sure any sports betting bill generates money for education and economic development for all Oklahomans.
