Tribal leaders gather at Capitol to honor Oklahoma Treaty Day

Tribal leaders, state lawmakers and community members gather at the Oklahoma Capitol on Tuesday, May 13, to mark "Oklahoma Treaty Day," an event dedicated to honoring the historical and ongoing importance of tribal treaties.

Hosted by the Oklahoma Native Caucus, the day-long event aims to raise awareness about how these foundational agreements continue to influence issues such as public safety, economic development and governance in Oklahoma.

Understanding Treaty Day’s Purpose

From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oklahoma Treaty Day brings attention to how tribal treaties underpin the state’s legal and cultural framework. Organized by members of the Oklahoma Native Caucus, the event emphasizes both historical reflection and future collaboration between Tribal Nations and the state.

Democratic State Sen. Mary Boren of Norman said honoring treaties is more than a legal obligation — it's a path toward equity.

“Oklahoma Treaty Day is a time to honor the Tribal Nations whose treaties laid the foundation of our state’s history and continue to shape our shared future,” Boren said. “It’s the responsibility of state legislators to honor treaties, and build a more just and inclusive Oklahoma.”

Key Presentations from Tribal Leaders

Beginning at 10 a.m. in Room 535 of the Capitol, leaders from several of Oklahoma’s federally recognized tribes are delivering presentations throughout the day. They are addressing treaty obligations, tribal sovereignty and ways to strengthen intergovernmental partnerships.

Speakers include:

1. LaRenda Morgan, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Government Affairs Officer
2. Wilson Pipestem, President of Pipestem Law
3. Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal Chief of the Osage Nation
4. Matthew Morgan, Special Envoy for the Chickasaw Nation
5. Governor Reggie Wassana, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
6. Lawrence Spottedbird, Chairman of the Kiowa Tribe
7. Kim Teehee, Cherokee Nation Delegate to Congress
8. Tana Fitzgerald, Director of the Native Nations Center at the University of Oklahoma

Looking Ahead

Organizers say Oklahoma Treaty Day is just one step in continuing a broader conversation about how state and tribal governments can work together more effectively.

For Oklahomans interested in better understanding the legal and cultural foundations of the state, Tuesday’s event serves as a reminder: treaties are not just historical documents — they are living agreements that shape policy, identity and progress.