June 17, 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"}
City adopts $91M budget for FY26
A: Main, Main, News
City adopts $91M budget for FY26
Ollie’s Bargain Center coming to Sallisaw
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
June 12, 2025
The City of Sallisaw will be working with a budget of almost $91 million for the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2026, after city commissioners at their monthly meeting Monday adopted a budget for the ...
this is a test
Roland Police apprehend armed robbery suspect
A: Main, Main, News
Roland Police apprehend armed robbery suspect
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
June 12, 2025
A man wanted in connection with an armed robbery and domestic battery in Fort Smith, Ark. is now in custody after being apprehended last week across the state line in Oklahoma. Kenneth M. Byrd, 28, of...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Sallisaw man dies weeks after collision
A: Main
Sallisaw man dies weeks after collision
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
June 12, 2025
A Sallisaw man has reportedly died nearly four weeks after a serious motorcycle crash on Highway 82 near South Indian Road in Keys. The collision, which occurred on the evening of May 2, has now been ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Here’s your sign
News
Here’s your sign
June 12, 2025
A high-flying crew, hoisted by a crane, on Wednesday completed installation of signage drawing attention to 7Brew Drive Thru Coffee, Taco Bell and Whataburger, located on South Kerr Boulevard in Salli...
this is a test
Today’s the day when  superstition is highest
A: Main, Main, News
Today’s the day when superstition is highest
It's Friday the 13th
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
June 12, 2025
Are you superstitious? No? Are you sure? Do you knock on wood or never open an umbrella indoors or never walk under a ladder or avoid breaking a mirror or avoid stepping on a crack in the sidewalk or ...
this is a test
Savannah Cunningham
A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...
JUST FOLKS
Savannah Cunningham
By JACIE EUBANKS TIMES INTERN 
June 12, 2025
Savannah Cunningham, at only 18-years-old, has already attained the crowning achievement of becoming the second runner-up for the Strawberry Queen Pageant during the 78th annual Strawberry Festival in...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}


ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
google_play
app_store

Editor Picks
Boys & Girls Club requests lunch donations for end-of-summer program
News
Boys & Girls Club requests lunch donations for end-of-summer program
By JACIE EUBANKS TIMES INTERN 
June 12, 2025
The Boys & Girls Club of Sequoyah County has just kicked off their 2025 Summer Program, and they’re excited to begin the coming weeks of fun, learning, and growth ahead for the amazing youth that the ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Just barely
Columns & Opinions
Just barely
By Amie EDITOR 
June 12, 2025
When I was growing up, my dad had a favorite saying he used when it came to hard work that wasn’t much fun. After we completed our task, he would say something like, “Boy, that was a lot of fun, but j...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
OMMA implements new emergency rules, effective immediately
News
OMMA implements new emergency rules, effective immediately
June 12, 2025
OMMA (Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Association) has promulgated emergency rules to implement House Bill 2807 from the 2025 legislative session. Permanent rules will go into place in 2026. Pre-packaging ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Meeker coach hired to lead Vian boys basketball
B: Sports
VIAN BASKETBALL
Meeker coach hired to lead Vian boys basketball
By DAVID SEELEY SPORTS EDITOR 
June 12, 2025
Sometimes things just seem to fall into place for someone, and that was the case for Randy Ragland. After being the Meeker Bulldogs basketball coach for the last five years, going 9-14 last season and...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Fresh ideas
Columns & Opinions
SALLISAW TOPS
Fresh ideas
By Billie Anthony 
June 12, 2025
Monday, we had 10 TOPS and one KOPS weigh in plus one of our former members, Machel, came for a visit. We all were happy to see Machel and wish her luck as she lives in Omaha now. We had a chapter wei...
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