During a recent session held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes called for more formal consultation efforts from federal agencies, especially regarding agreements affecting Indian Education programs, and government-to-government dialogue from the Department of Homeland Security. ITC leaders unanimously approved multiple resolutions, including a resolution regarding opposition to an ICE detention facility in Oklahoma, as well as two resolutions supporting Haskell Indian Nations University for its high-quality and culturally grounded education for Native students.

The quarterly ITC event brings together leaders of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole Nations to discuss issues important to the Five Tribes.

“It’s always a great time when the Five Tribes come together to collaborate and share ideas for each other to better our communities. Seminole Nation reaffirms our commitment to meaningful government-to-government consultation with our four sister tribes. We are working together to have our government partners understand the importance of recognizing tribal sovereignty and expertise, to ensure decisions are informed, equitable, and reflective of the interests of present and future generations of all tribal nations,” said Sena Yesslith, Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation.

“Across our Nations, we see a consistent pattern of progress through educating and supporting our youth, supporting and encouraging strong families, improving health care systems, advancing our economies and that of the state, and, perhaps most importantly, continuing to defend our rights and the sovereignty of our tribes,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said.

The ITC approved six resolutions in total, including the following measures:

• Pursue representation on leadership council for U.S. Department of Justice: Supports the nomination of Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. to serve on the U.S. Department of Justice Tribal Nations Leadership Council representing the Eastern Oklahoma Region.

• Demand tribal consultation for agreements affecting Indian Education programs: Calls for formal tribal consultation regarding the Interagency Agreement between the United States Departments of the Interior and Education affecting federal Indian Education programs.

• Call on Congress to pass the Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act: Supports the prompt passing of the “Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act” to ensure Haskell’s autonomy and capacity to provide a high-quality and culturally grounded education for Native Students.

• Recommend alternate for Haskell Indian Nations University National Board of Regents: Supports the nomination of Jennifer Pigeon for Eastern Oklahoma Region alternate to the Haskell Indian Nations University National Board of Regents.

• Oppose the placement and operation of an ICE detention facility in Durant: Opposes the placement and operation of a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Durant, Oklahoma due to its potential impacts on tribal citizens, public safety, and tribal sovereignty.

• Call for government- to-government on ICE detention facility locations: Calls on the United States Department of Homeland Security to engage in formal government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations regarding the siting and operation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities on or near tribal lands.