State of the Tribal Nation inaugural event kicked off with Mayor Bynum in attendance

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — The inaugural State of the Tribal Nations event took place this afternoon as hundreds of Tulsans came to hear from the Cherokee Nation, Osage Nation, and Muscogee Nation.

The topics the tribes touched on were tribal leadership, economic development, tourism, and cultural education.

This event showed how much tribes have contributed and what they have planned for the future of Oklahoma.

Advances in technology, drone technology, investment in filming and entertainment industry, and advances in healthcare.

“Talking primarily about the Muscogee Creek, the Cherokee, and the Osage because all three of our traditional homelands come together here in Tulsa," said Osage Nation Principal Chief, Geoffrey Standing Bear.

“I think it’s important that this not just be an inaugural event, but that it be the start of many of these events across the state," said Muscogee Nation Secretary, Zachariah Harjo.

According to the tribes, this year’s State of the Tribal Nations was a success.

The Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce presented several panel discussions for over 800 people to hear today.

Cherokee Nation’s, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., spoke about economic development.

“In the past five decades, we have gone from the United States taking its boot off the Cherokee Nation to leading this state in the economy, in healthcare, and solving problems in the community," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief, Chuck Hoskin Jr.

Osage Nation’s Principal Chief, Geoffrey Standing Bear, was on that same panel, and he spoke on an economic development project called Skyway 36. A project that he wants to include drones.

“Drone technology for peace purposes and war even are big. We don’t want to contribute to anybody’s harm, but you have to pay attention to the world. And it’s really the future," said Principal Chief Bear.

Mayor Bynum was also in attendance but Governor Stitt was not. and when asked about his relationship with the Governor.

“I do not talk to Governor Stitt. Not because I dislike him or he dislikes me, but we just don’t have nothing in common right now," said Bear.

He added that Lt. Governor Pinnell played a big role in helping bring the killers of the Flower Moon movie to the state and he needs that cooperation.