'In defense of tribal sovereignty': Cherokee Nation at U.S. Supreme Court
Channel: indianz
Date: 2022-04-28

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. of the Cherokee Nation speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Apri 27, 2022.

Hoskin attended oral arguments in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta. The outcome will determine whether the state can continue to infringe on jurisdiction in Indian Country despite numerous rulings in support of tribal sovereignty -- including one denied by the Supreme Court barely two years ago.

"The governor of the state of Oklahoma has once again taken us to court, to undermine tribal sovereignty," Hoskin said of Kevin Stitt, the state's Republican governor.

The hearing in Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta ran more than 2 hours, far longer than the 70 minutes allotted by the U.S. Supreme Court. It was also the last argument on the court's calendar, as well as the final case heard by Justice Stephen G. Breyer, who is stepping down at the end of the current term.

Following the statement, Chief Hoskin issued a written statement about the case. He said:

“Today’s Supreme Court arguments reaffirmed what tribes have said all along: the state of Oklahoma has neither the facts nor the law on its side. The Justices heard clear arguments that explain how the state’s demand to undermine tribal sovereignty is inconsistent with legal precedent, the intent of Congress, and the basics of Indian law.”

“Congress has been clear on the limits of state jurisdiction on our reservations, and Governor Stitt’s anti-tribal views don’t change those facts. While tribes have worked closely with our partners to meet our public safety responsibilities and provide a blanket of protection to everyone on our reservation, it’s unfortunate that the state has wasted time and resources attacking our rights and sovereignty. We hope that the Justices rule on the side of collaboration and the law, and that the governor finally chooses to join us in meeting our shared public safety goals.”

Video provided by Cherokee Nation

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