Five Tribes support retention of three Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices
Inter-Tribal Council resolutions also address the National Indian Gaming Commission
DURANT, Oklahoma – The Inter-Tribal Council (ITC) voted unanimously to support the retention of Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices Noma D. Gurich, Yvonne Kauger and James E. Edmondson.
A resolution approved by the Tribal leaders noted the three justices – who are the only three up for retention on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot – have demonstrated a commitment and diligence in following Oklahoma law, as well as their understanding of tribal sovereignty.
“We are proud to be Oklahomans and citizens of our nations and strive to partner effectively and collaboratively between our nations and the State of Oklahoma’s leadership; we also believe in electing and appointing leaders in Oklahoma’s state government who are also good partners to work collaboratively with our sovereign tribal governments," the resolution states.
"We believe Justices Kauger, Gurich and Edmonson have been targeted by a special interest group because of their rulings in favor of tribal sovereignty. This group hopes these judges will be removed, and their replacements named by Gov. Stitt to further his policies against tribal sovereignty. I urge all voters to retain these hard-working, fair, nonpartisan judges. This will help ensure the strides we have made as a tribal nation and promote fairness in litigation in front of the Oklahoma Supreme Court,” states Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton.
In a separate resolution, the ITC voted to support the nomination of Patrice Kunesh (Standing Rock Lakota) as chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Kunesh’s nomination has been subject to a hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and she awaits confirmation by the full Senate.
Additionally, the ITC voted to support changes to the Indian Health Service’s contract support cost policy to expand reimbursements and further statutory commands and the IHS Guiding Policies, while not placing tribes that have opted for self-determination at a disadvantage.
Other resolutions:
- Urged USDA to resolve the food distribution program on Indian reservations
- Supported added and strategic funding for the Indian Health Services
- Recommended reporting for HUD grants using the Indian Housing Plan/Annual Performance Report
- Reaffirmed support for the United States implementing the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The next meeting of the ITC will take place Jan. 8-10, 2025, at the River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa.