Chief's Corner - December 2024

By UKB Chief Joe Bunch

Si yo, ni ga da! To start off, I have to say now that football season is nearing an end and my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, have not been having a banner season. Now, on to business…

We signed the 76-acre deed over to the Department of Interior to get land in trust. We have Purchased and Referred care for tribal members and our local food purchase program for tribal members, with items remaining, casino operations, renewable energy, and higher education grants for our tribal members.  My belief is that when we receive the M Opinion from the Department of Interior Solicitor’s office in our favor, we will put to rest a self-proclaimed exclusive jurisdiction issue that has plagued us, and more doors will open for federal funding.

One of my best memories is when we were united, and we showed up on May 16, 2018, for the 10th circuit court hearing in Denver, Colorado. We were there to demonstrate our support for our land in trust application; it was standing room only, and all Keetoowahs on the bus ride home were all chirpy and excited. Then, after a few hours, we were able to listen to the argument on laptops, and with the decision on September 5, 2019, in our favor, we held a news conference where we had four former chiefs and myself present for that presentation. We were ALL united. I believe this set in motion a deeper understanding that Keetoowahs, as a federally recognized Indian tribe, are eligible for federal funding.

As we go forward, be sure to ask and work with your district representative for news with the Keetoowahs; also, use our social media pages and newspaper for district news. In one month, we will welcome a new administration along with new district representatives to carry out the functions of the Keetoowah tribal government; please welcome them, as the stage is set for growth.

It has been my privilege and honor to be able to represent the Keetoowah People as Chief. It has not been easy, with nothing being handed to us. And yes, there has been a fight every step of the way. We see our sovereignty being attacked daily by local threats, state-recognized tribes, and the theft of our identity and culture. I remember what Chief Wickliffe would say: get our name and who we are out there, visit with Congress, tell them our story.

To think Congress or agency leaders will come to our grounds; we may wait a long time.

It has truly been my pleasure working with our UKB staff and council, and learning from the council and our tribal members. It’s been a great feeling to display that full-bloods can do this and will continue to do this.

Wa do, do da go hv I, and God bless us all.