Phil Busey: Oklahoma tribes give an economic advantage to state

Friday, January 7, 2011  

"In economic times that challenge us and an ever-evolving competitive market for economic development, Oklahoma has a unique advantage over most other states. We are a young state and have all the attributes of quality of life, work ethic and resources that attract companies and people to build futures. The main obstacle we face is that while we know our story, we must share it better with those outside our state lines.

Our history is a powerful blend of cultures rooted in individualism and cooperation and building a state where one did not exist before, all the while founded in the heritage of America’s Native American peoples and pioneers who ventured westward for a new beginning. It doesn’t get much better than that for the history books. Living side by side was by no means easy, but a century later our economy is intertwined from aerospace and energy to Native American tribal governments with huge economic capabilities. Few states can boast this combination.

Wrestling with a severe economic crisis that excludes no states, Oklahoma has a long road to fiscal recovery; the years of living large are over. This era begs financial responsibility and accountability. It also will be wrenched by changes from a perceived “normal” to a new, more uncertain time. The only way out and up is for us, as a people unified, to utilize all our resources and courage to streamline government, rebuild a broken public education system and assemble a strong economic engine. We have all the tools. It is up to our new leadership to bring everyone together for our greater good.

With new leadership, we must not only remember the legacy of Oklahoma as “Indian Territory” and acknowledge the contributions Native Americans have made to our state, but also the power of doing business in “Indian country.” Leaders in Oklahoma still struggle to recognize the unequivocal importance of tribal governments and minority small businesses to the success of Oklahoma."

Get the Story:
Phil Busey: Oklahoma as Native America brings an economic advantage (The Edmond Sun 1/6)