x
Breaking News
More () »

After Supreme Court ruling, Oklahoma reaches jurisdiction deal with Native American tribes

The AG made the deal with the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole nations after the Supreme Court found much of the state remains a reservation.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Editor's note: The related video above was published on Wednesday.

Oklahoma’s attorney general and five major Native American tribes in Oklahoma on Thursday announced an agreement on proposed federal legislation regarding civil and criminal jurisdiction following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter announced the deal with leaders of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations after the high court ruled last week that much of eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian reservation.

Both sides agree any proposed legislation should recognize tribal sovereignty and the respective tribal boundaries outlined in their treaties with the federal government.

Under the agreement, the state would have criminal jurisdiction over non-Native American offenders throughout the treaty territories, with some exceptions, while the tribes would have overlapping jurisdiction over most offenders who are tribal citizens. Federal prosecutors would still have jurisdiction under the Major Crimes Act over certain serious crimes committed by Native Americans.

The agreement clarifies that civil jurisdiction would remain largely unchanged.

RELATED: Unpublicized White House report puts 18 states in coronavirus 'red zone'

“Although there are many more details to be ironed out in the near future, we believe this agreement regarding civil and criminal jurisdiction is the best path forward for protecting the public and promoting continued economic growth in Oklahoma,” Hunter said.

Credit: AP
FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2020, file photo, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter speaks during a news conference at his office in Oklahoma City, Okla. Hunter announced Thursday, July 16, 2020, that his office and five major Native American tribes in Oklahoma have reached an agreement on civil and criminal jurisdiction after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision. Under the agreement, the state would have criminal jurisdiction over non-Native American offenders throughout the treaty territories, with some exceptions, while the tribes would have jurisdiction over offenders who are tribal citizens. (Nate Billings/The Oklahoman via AP, File)

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill said that while the court ruling leaves some unanswered questions, he expressed confidence in the tribes' ability to work with state and federal agencies.

“Tribal nations have successfully collaborated with law enforcement for years in the communities we share, and this ruling only strengthens our ability to work together for the betterment of public safety for all Oklahomans," he said in a statement.

RELATED: Kanye West qualifies for Oklahoma's presidential ballot

Before You Leave, Check This Out