The Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation met with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) to discuss their water lawsuit against the state.

Fallin has asked the tribes to drop the case and mentioned it during her State of the State address on Monday. But the tribes won't withdraw until they resolve the ownership of Sardis Lake.

“History shows the best way to achieve resolution is through talks where both parties come to the table, prepared and empowered, to have good faith negotiations,” Choctaw Chief Greg Pyle and Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby said in a letter to Fallin. “There was a lack of negotiations or meaningful engagement until we filed our suit, and if we dismissed, our current court-ordered mediations would cease.”

The tribes want to make sure they are included about future uses of water drawn from the lake.

Get the Story:
Oklahoma governor meets with tribal leaders over water lawsuit (The Oklahoman 2/9)
Chickasaws, Choctaws will not drop lawsuit against state of Oklahoma (The Oklahoman 2/8)
Fallin and tribal chiefs exchange views on water policy (Tulsa Today 2/8)

Related Stories:
Oklahoma governor asks tribes to drop water rights lawsuit (2/3)
Oklahoma tribes won't dispute existing water use permits (1/27)
Judge pushes Oklahoma tribal water lawsuit into mediation (11/14)
Editorial: Reaching consensus with tribes on water supply (6/7)
Editorial: Oklahoma tribes threaten legal action over water (4/13)
Choctaw Nation and Chickasaw Nation assert rights to water (4/12)
Choctaw Nation prepared to take action over transfer of lake (6/11)
Choctaw Nation expresses interest in taking control of lake (5/19)