Oklahoma tribes say they should continue to receive federal funds despite an increase in their own revenues.

According to The Tulsa World, Oklahoma tribes received more than $294 million in federal funds in 2002. By 2004, the amount increased to $308 million.

At the same time, Oklahoma's gaming industry boomed. Revenues went from $464 million to $1 billion, putting the state behind just three states -- California, Connecticut and Arizona.

Of the Oklahoma tribes, the Cherokee Nation received the most from the federal government -- about $215 million from 2002 through 2004. "We take our gaming operation and try to leverage other funds like federal funds or grant funds and fill in the gaps so we can provide a more effective delivery of services," principal chief Chad Smith told the paper.

The Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation each received about $80 million from 2004 through 2004. John Jackson of the Choctaw Nation's department of grants research and development said most tribal members still live below the poverty line.

Get the Story:
Tribes pull in profits, grants (The Tulsa World 10/22)

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