OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court has sided with the Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s opinion to protect tribal members’ right to hunt and fish on reservations.
Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation had challenged Drummond’s opinion and brought it to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
The justices unanimously sided with Drummond on Monday, March 23.
“This ruling is another rejection of Gov. Stitt’s unlawful campaign against tribal citizens exercising their long-held rights,” said Drummond. “The Court would not be used as a tool to override settled federal law and decades of cooperative wildlife management. My position has never wavered: federal law is clear, and it is my duty to uphold it.’
Drummond officially filed the formal opinion in December and sided with tribal nations by stating that the state’s enforcement had been unlawful and wasteful.
The Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. released the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision:
The Cherokee Nation applauds the Oklahoma Supreme Court today for following the rule of law in recognition of tribal sovereignty. Our people have possessed long-standing hunting and fishing rights upon these lands, rights forever guaranteed by our treaties with the United States government and deeply woven into our tribal laws. While there have been misguided attempts to attack our right to hunt and fish by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, this ruling represents a powerful affirmation of our enduring rights and a rejection of his lawless efforts to diminish our sovereignty. Since settling these lands after our forced removal and as reflected in our treaties, our ancestors have stewarded these lands, and because of decisions like this, our children will continue to hunt and fish here for generations to come. We stand united and resolute, ready to uphold our cherished traditions and defend the sovereign rights of our people. Today the Oklahoma Supreme Court honored the sanctity of our treaties, paving the way for a future built on mutual respect, progress, and justice.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s Chief Gary Batton released a statement in response to the ruling:
It has always been clear that tribal members have a right to hunt and fish on tribal land. We appreciate the Justices for clearly signaling these principles still hold,” Batton said. “We also see this ruling as an important confirmation of our tribal sovereignty. As always, we look forward to partnering with other governments, including the state of Oklahoma, to provide benefits for our members and all Oklahomans.
