June 1, 2025

logo
google_play
app_store
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
    • Special Sections
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
      • Special Sections
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Historic
Columns & Opinions
July 30, 2024
CHIEF CHAT

Historic Five Tribe agreement strengthens sovereignty and conservation efforts in Oklahoma

By Chuck Hoskin Jr. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief 

When Cherokees were removed from our ancestral homelands, we carried with us a deep respect for natural resources and wildlife, both in our former lands and our new homes. From the Trail of Tears beans and other precious seeds that were sewn into Cherokee clothes for that arduous trek, to the knowledge of how to effectively manage game and fish populations, this deep-rooted respect was necessary for our survival and integral to our culture. Hunting and fishing are not just Cherokee pastimes; they are intrinsic to our way of life.

When Cherokees were removed from our ancestral homelands, we carried with us a deep respect for natural resources and wildlife, both in our former lands and our new homes. From the Trail of Tears beans and other precious seeds that were sewn into Cherokee clothes for that arduous trek, to the knowledge of how to effectively manage game and fish populations, this deep-rooted respect was necessary for our survival and integral to our culture. Hunting and fishing are not just Cherokee pastimes; they are intrinsic to our way of life.

For centuries, Cherokee Nation and neighboring tribes have maintained a profound connection to the land and its resources. Now, the historic Five Tribe Wildlife Management Reciprocity Agreement, unveiled recently at the Inter- Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, marks a pivotal moment for the Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Muscogee Nation, and soon for Seminole Nation as we mutually recognize one another’s hunting and fishing rights and licenses.

This groundbreaking effort gives greater access for tribal citizens while also strengthening tribal sovereignty and tribe-to-tribe collaboration. Under the agreement, citizens of any of the member tribes may hunt and fish across our reservations simply by using a tribal identification card ortribal license. Outdoorsmen engaging in these activities will be subject to the laws of the tribe on whose reservation they are hunting or fishing, and it is their responsibility to be aware of and comply with all regulations.

The cooperation also extends to our collaboration with state and federal partners. State game wardens, crossdeputized with participating tribes, will continue to enforce laws on reservation lands, ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws.

The adoption of uniform wildlife codes demonstrates our commitment to success. Our codes, aligned with those of the state, include similar season dates and bag limits. The reciprocal agreement also underscores the importance of data-driven management. Each tribe will report basic harvest data annually, which enhances our ability to regulate effectively. All this enhances our ability to protect and manage wildlife effectively while benefiting all Oklahomans, not just tribal citizens.

A special commendation is due to Deputy Chief Bryan Warner for his visionary leadership in bringing this agreement together. Under his guidance, as well as the offices of the Attorney General and the Secretary of Natural Resources, Cherokee Nation has long excelled in conservation efforts. Nowhere is that more evident than the success of the tribe’s hunting preserve in Sequoyah County that was created through the Cherokee Nation Park, Wildlands, Fishing and Hunting Preserve Act. It is a model for effective wildlife management and preservation.

As the exclusive tribal authority over our Cherokee Nation Reservation, we have obligations and opportunities in fish and wildlife regulation and management that can benefit everyone if we work hard and are willing to collaborate with partners. As this historic agreement demonstrates, we are doing just that.

The Five Tribe Wildlife Management Reciprocity Agreement is a milestone in our journey toward greater sovereignty and cooperation. By working together, we honor our ancestors, sustain our cultural practices, and protect the land that has nurtured us for centuries. We must ensure that our natural resources remain abundant and accessible, supporting our way of life and the well-being of all who call eastern Oklahoma home.

Learn more by visiting our Cherokee Nation Wildlife Conservation website.

this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Cybersecurity disagreement sparks question of commitment to county assessor’s success
A: Main, Main, News
Cybersecurity disagreement sparks question of commitment to county assessor’s success
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
May 29, 2025
For much of the past nine months, the Sequoyah County Commissioners have expressed their confidence in and expectations for success from County Assessor Brandy Dobbs. “We want you to have what you nee...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Pastor set to appear before judge
A: Main, Main, News
Pastor set to appear before judge
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 29, 2025
A Sallisaw pastor charged with lewd or indecent proposals to a child under the age of 16 in Sequoyah County District Court following allegations made against him in 2023, has now been scheduled for a ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Homeless woman who exposed herself set for docket
A: Main, Main, News
Homeless woman who exposed herself set for docket
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 29, 2025
A homeless woman who reportedly exposed herself to others at Moffett School has now been scheduled for an August 6 felony disposition docket in Sequoyah County District Court. Destiny M. Seladones, 27...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Theresa Cunningham
A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...
JUST FOLKS
Theresa Cunningham
Price
By JADE PHILLIPS TIMES INTERN 
May 29, 2025
Theresa Cunningham, 42, is a mother of five who has spent just over 20 years working and being a part of Sequoyah County. Originally from Arizona, she grew up a city girl but that changed after she ma...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Fishing Report for May 28, 2025
Sports
Fishing Report for May 28, 2025
May 29, 2025
EUFAULA: May 23. Elevation is 7.5 feet above normal and falling. The water temperature is 60 degrees and murky. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits and...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Hamilton commends governor for signing SB 599 into law
News
Hamilton commends governor for signing SB 599 into law
May 29, 2025
Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, issued the following statement after Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 599 into law over the weekend. Senate Bill 599 strengthens Oklahoma’s legal response to ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}


ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
google_play
app_store

Editor Picks
Johnston wins
Sequoyah County history
THIS WEEK IN COUNTY HISTORY
Johnston wins
— Sequoyah County Democrat, May 29, 1925
May 29, 2025
25 Years Ago —The City of Vian is almost ready to begin construction of a new sewer plant, Scott Neel, project engineer with P. Doug Harvell & Associates in Sallisaw, said construction of the plant sh...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Golden Eagles fall in Summit League title game
Sports
ORU BASEBALL
Golden Eagles fall in Summit League title game
By ORU MEDIA RELATIONS 
May 29, 2025
OMAHA, Neb. — The Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles fought their way back to force the winner-takeall title game in the 2025 Summit League Tournament, but they ultimately came up short. After losi...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Lawsuit against Walters, Department of Education seeks transparency
News, School News
Lawsuit against Walters, Department of Education seeks transparency
By TED STREULI | OKLAHOMA WATCH 
May 29, 2025
Democracy dies in darkness. Keeping the public's business public. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. You've heard the transparency catchphrases. Here's how it plays out in real life. Oklahoma Watch an...
this is a test
In loving memory of Baylee
Letters To The Editor
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
In loving memory of Baylee
May 29, 2025
Dear Editor, Our hearts are broken, and our lives forever changed with the loss of our beloved Baylee in a tragic accident. While navigating this overwhelming loss, our family has been deeply moved by...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Mark your calendar
Calendar, News
Mark your calendar
May 29, 2025
Announcements of upcoming events for non-profit organizations and events in Sequoyah County may be delivered to Your TIMES in several different ways. They may be mailed to or hand delivered to Your TI...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Facebook

SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES
111 N. Oak
Sallisaw OK
74955

918.775.4433

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Sequoyah County Times

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy