Neal McCaleb, the former head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, says tribes and states should find ways to work together.

McCaleb, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, said the tribal-state relationship in Oklahoma has been mostly positive. Tribes contribute millions of dollars to the state through tobacco and gaming compacts.

"Oklahoma is unique and it's good for business," McCaleb said at the Indian Country Business Summit, the Associated Press reported.

But it's not the same elsewhere. "The other states are still fighting Plains Indian wars with each other," McCaleb added.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins (D), who is vying to be the next governor, said tribes have a $15 billion economic impact on the state. "I shudder to think what would happen" without tribal businesses, she said, the AP reported.

Get the Story:
Lt. gov: Okla., tribes should continue partnership (AP 8/17)
Mary Fallin takes gubernatorial fundraising lead over Jari Askins (The Tulsa World 8/18)