Three tribal leaders addressed the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals on Tuesday.

Kelly Haney, the principal chief of the Seminole Nation and a former state lawmaker, said tribes have a $10 billion impact on the state's impact. Altogether, the tribes are the number one employer in the state, he said.

Chad Smith, the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, criticized the state for imposing emergency rules on the sale of tobacco. "We have several compacts with the state, and this is the only one that's turned sour," he said, The Oklahoman reported.

Bill Anoatubby, the governor of the Chickasaw Nation, said tribes have contributed to the nation's economy.

Get the Story:
Goals group told of tribes' economic impact (The Oklahoman 4/12)
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Relevant Links:
The Oklahoma Academy for State Goals - http://www.okacademy.org