Page 2 - Five Tribe News Today

Analysis by Brandon Tensley, CNN

The Five Tribes say Oklahomas claims of criminal jurisdiction would include tribal trust land and give the state unprecedented authority.

By Victor Bozarth for PCGS ......   In parts one, two, and three of this four-part series, I discussed the early Europeans’ unsuccessful search for

The Public Square: Your thoughts on McGirt v. Oklahoma

Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole introduces first federal bill to address McGirt ruling Chris Casteel, Oklahoman Replay Video UP NEXT U.S. Rep. Tom Cole introduced a bill on Tuesday to allow the Cherokee and Chickasaw nations to make agreements with the state of Oklahoma on prosecuting some crimes involving Native Americans within the tribes’ reservations. Cole, R-Moore, said the legislation would provide “an immediate solution to the urgent issues facing law enforcement, giving them...

Oklahoman U.S. Rep. Tom Cole introduced a bill on Tuesday to allow the Cherokee and Chickasaw nations to make agreements with the state of Oklahoma on prosecuting some crimes involving Native Americans within the tribes’ reservations. Cole, R-Moore, said the legislation would provide “an immediate solution to the urgent issues facing law enforcement, giving them clarity to enforce the law, keep dangerous criminals behind bars and ensure justice is served.” McGirt decision prompts changes...

When that happens, federal prosecutors will become responsible for retrying old state cases involving American Indians in all five reservations and trying new cases involving American Indians — a huge increase in caseload for U.S. attorney offices. Brian J. Kuester, who was the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma until March, said the re-recognition of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation alone led to more than  a 1,500% increase in Violent Crime in Indian Country matters referred to t...

Congress and the Biden administration could be key players as Native American tribes and Oklahoma leaders sort out the McGirt ruling implications.

Federal government now has criminal jurisdiction in much of eastern Oklahoma, with more to come.