Oklahoma tribes report positive talks on tobacco compacts

Wednesday, June 12, 2013  

Leaders of 25 tribes sat down with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) on Tuesday to discuss their tobacco compacts.

Most of the compacts expire at the end of the month. Although Fallin has declined a request for extension, tribal leaders said the meeting, which was described as historic, went well.

"We're very encouraged by what we were able to share with the governor on our concerns on a government-to-government relationship," Muscogee Nation Principal Chief George Tiger said, according to news reports. "We believe this is a good start.

Fallin also said the talks went well. She has negotiated new compacts with three tribes.

The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas (UINOKT) organized the meeting.

Get the Story:
Okla. governor meets with tribes, won't answer press questions (The Native American Times 6/12)
Gov. Fallin and tribal leaders meet to discuss rules for tribal smoke shops (The Tulsa World 6/12)
Governor Fallin Meets With Tribal Leaders In Tulsa (News on 6 6/11)

Oklahoma tribes to discuss tobacco compact with governor (6/11)
Tribes in Oklahoma on united front over tobacco compact talks (04/17)
Oklahoma governor won't agree to tobacco compact extension (04/11)
Oklahoma tribes seek to extend talks for tobacco compacts (03/26)
Kaw Nation tobacco compact eliminates lower border sales rate (03/13)
Kaw Nation signs tobacco and 'burn ban' compacts in Oklahoma (03/12)