Seminole Nation: we weren't involved in agreement-in-principle announced by other tribes

Seminole Nation chief releases statement regarding principles of jurisdiction announcement from tribes impacted by McGirt v. Oklahoma 

Wewoka, Okla. (July 17, 2020) - Seminole Nation Chief Greg P. Chilcoat issued the following statement today after the tribes impacted by the McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling released a set of principles on jurisdiction following last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision.


“First and foremost, on behalf of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, I congratulate the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on the Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which affirms the original reservation boundaries of all Five Tribes. However, the Seminole Nation has not formally approved the agreement-in-principle announced by the other four tribes. To be clear, the Seminole Nation has not been involved with discussions regarding proposed legislation between the other four tribes and the State of Oklahoma. Furthermore, the Seminole Nation has not engaged in any such discussions with the State of Oklahoma, including with the Attorney General, to develop a framework for clarifying respective jurisdictions and to ensure collaboration among tribal, state and federal authorities regarding the administration of justice across Seminole Nation lands.

“Before the Seminole Nation will consider any such framework, the Nation requires respectful and meaningful government-to-government discussions directly with the state. Until such government-to-government discussions occur, and the Nation has an opportunity to fully conduct its own due diligence to any such proposed legislation, the Seminole Nation does not consent to being obligated to an agreement between the other four tribes and the state. As always, the Seminole Nation is proud to be one of the Five Tribes and is eager to have a constructive discussion during this monumental time in our history.”

About The Seminole Nation
With a tribal enrollment of 18,681, the Seminole Tribal Jurisdiction Area is located in south-central Oklahoma, approximately 45 miles east of Oklahoma City, and it includes most of Seminole County. The Seminole Nation Tribal Complex is located in the town of Wewoka, Oklahoma. For more information about the Seminole Nation, visit https://www.sno-nsn.gov.