UKB Affirms Tribal Sovereignty in Health and Gaming Decisions

The resolution asserted that the UKB, a federally recognized tribe, was not consulted before the Indian Health Service (IHS) approved the transfer to the Cherokee Nation. Under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), UKB leaders argue that consultation was required.

Screenshot from the April Facebook livestream of the UKB April Council Meeting.

By: Troy Littledeer | UKB Media Director

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — In a move underscoring its commitment to tribal sovereignty and local control, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) Tribal Council approved a series of resolutions during its April 5 meeting, including a formal objection to the transfer of operations at Claremore Indian Hospital to the Cherokee Nation.

The resolution asserted that the UKB, a federally recognized tribe, was not consulted before the Indian Health Service (IHS) approved the transfer to the Cherokee Nation. Under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), UKB leaders argue that consultation was required.

“The decision shall stand unless and until this resolution is rescinded,” the resolution concluded.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. addressed the issue in a September 2024 column for Native News Online, titled “Cherokee Nation Takes Ownership of Our Health Care Destiny.”

“However, the truth is, the Claremore Indian Hospital operates in a federal system, the Indian Health Service, which has never adequately delivered health care,” Hoskin wrote. “That’s why I sent legislation to the Council of the Cherokee Nation to begin the process of taking ownership and control of Claremore Indian Hospital by the end of 2025.”

In other action, the UKB Council approved transferring oversight of the Purchase Referred Care program and the Health and Human Services Board to the UKB Corporate Board. Tribal Councilor Janelle Adair of the Illinois District introduced the measure.

According to Adair, the shift is intended to “enhance efficiency, financial oversight, and service delivery of the programs.”

“The transfer will streamline operations, improve health care services, and align with best practices for health governance,” she said during the reading of the resolution.

Health care was not the only major topic addressed.

Secretary Caleb Grimmett-Smith introduced a resolution authorizing the tribe to explore gaming operations under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The council approved the measure, clearing the way for UKB to initiate a gaming compact with the state of Oklahoma.

In a separate matter, Chief Jeff Wacoche urged members to contact their state legislators in opposition to Senate Bill 675. The proposed legislation would have allowed the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS) to share information with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority — an act UKB leaders believed could encroach on tribal sovereignty.

“We ask everyone to reach out to their representatives to respect tribal sovereignty and vote no,” Wacoche said ahead of the hearing.

He added that a link would be posted to the UKB Facebook page to help members contact their elected officials. The bill had been referred to the committee on April 1.

UPDATE: Senate Bill 675 Dies in Committee Amid Sovereignty DisputeByline: Staff Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY — Senate Bill 675 was unanimously rejected on Wednesday by the Oklahoma House Committee on Public Safety, effectively ending its chances of advancing this session.

The bill sought to grant the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority access to law enforcement databases, including OLETS, to help collect unpaid tolls from vehicles with tribal license plates. Tribes voiced concern over data-sharing and jurisdictional overreach.

Gov. Kevin Stitt blamed tribal nations, particularly the Muscogee Nation, for the bill’s failure, saying they wanted to “drive on the turnpikes for free.” Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill pushed back, accusing Stitt of holding up separate negotiations on tobacco compacts by tying them to turnpike access and vehicle registration.

“He has a compact sitting on his desk, but he will not sign it until we include motor vehicle and turnpikes,” Hill said. “Those are two separate things.”

The Oklahoma Policy Institute called Stitt’s comments misleading and part of “a pattern of antagonism toward Tribal governments.”

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert acknowledged the issue, saying turnpike users should pay tolls but emphasizing the need for collaboration with tribal nations.

The bill’s defeat ensures that tribes retain input over whether their citizens’ vehicle data can be accessed through OLETS. Chief Wacoche had previously encouraged UKB citizens to oppose the measure, citing sovereignty concerns.