Oklahoma bill elevates Indian affairs position to Cabinet level

Tuesday, February 25, 2014  

A bill in Oklahoma would create a Cabinet-level position for Indian affairs.

House Bill 1305 was introduced in February 2013. It was endorsed by the General Government Committee by a 9-1 vote on Thursday.

"One cabinet area shall consist of all the functions of all executive agencies, boards, commissions and institutions related to Native American issues and state and tribal relations," the bill states.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) selected Jacque Secondine Hensley, a member of the Kaw Nation, in 2012. The position was created when the state abolished the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission.

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Bill Would Give Native Americans Cabinet-Level Post (KTUL 2/24)