United Indian Nations Of Oklahoma Summit To Address Major Tribal Issues
United Indian Nations Of Oklahoma Summit To Focus On Health Care, Sovereignty And Elections
The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma summit will bring Tribal leaders and partners from across the state to Tulsa on Aug. 27 for discussions ranging from Native health care and Tribal gaming to Oklahoma's upcoming general election and Native voter engagement.
The quarterly meeting will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the University of Tulsa's Lorton Performing Arts Center. University of Tulsa President Stacy Leeds, a Cherokee Nation citizen, will welcome Tribal leaders to campus and serve as the luncheon keynote speaker.
United Indian Nations Of Oklahoma Summit Brings Tribal Leaders Together
UINO Chairperson Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe, said the timing of the meeting provides an opportunity for Tribal nations and citizens to strengthen cooperation as Oklahoma enters another major election season.
"It's a great time for tribal nations and citizens to recommit themselves to unity across Oklahoma because together our voices are stronger," Barnes said.
One major discussion will focus on the realignment of the Oklahoma Indian Health Service Area Office with the Albuquerque Area Office and what potential policy changes could mean for Tribal health programs and access to care.
The Indian Health Service administers federal health programs serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities, making changes involving regional operations an important issue for Oklahoma's Tribal nations.
Tribal Gaming And State Elections Take Center Stage
Tribal sovereignty and gaming will also be major topics as leaders examine the growth of prediction markets and federally unregulated wagering.
Tribal gaming leaders have raised concerns that those markets could affect both gaming revenue and the legal framework surrounding Tribal gaming. The Indian Gaming Association has been involved in national efforts challenging the expansion of prediction markets.
The summit will also include an Oklahoma general election preview from the Oklahoma Policy Institute and League of Women Voters shortly after the November ballot is finalized.
UINO has invited candidates for governor and attorney general to participate in the meeting. Gubernatorial candidate Cyndi Munson and attorney general candidate Nick Coffey have accepted invitations to discuss their visions for the relationship between Oklahoma and its 38 federally recognized Tribal nations.
Native Voter Engagement Remains A Priority
UINO will also provide an update on its Warrior Up to Vote initiative, a Tribal leader-led effort that travels to Tribal communities and reservations across Oklahoma to register Native voters and encourage participation in state and national elections.
"When our Native voices are united, we can have a major influence on policy and legislation affecting our Tribes, our families and our daily lives," UINO Executive Director Margo Gray said.
Additional information about the organization, membership and the quarterly meeting is available through United Indian Nations of Oklahoma.
Members will conclude the Tulsa meeting by reviewing proposed updates to UINO's bylaws, discussing ways to strengthen the organization's advocacy and policy work and considering organizational resolutions.
The quarterly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Lorton Performing Arts Center, 550 S. Gary Place in Tulsa.
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