United Keetoowah Band Launches “Defend UKB Rights” Campaign to Enable Action Against Sen. Mullin’s Termination Provision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tahlequah, Okla. – The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) today launched the ‘Defend UKB Rights’ campaign, a coordinated effort to oppose legislative language drafted by Senator Markwayne Mullin – at the behest of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) – that threatens to terminate the UKB’s sovereignty and land rights.

The UKB is calling for immediate retraction of the shocking legislative provision drafted in secret by Sen. Mullin that would terminate the UKB’s right to trust land and basic economic development within the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation, which is shared by the UKB and CNO.

The legislative provision seeks to block the UKB from exercising rights that have been recognized for decades by Congress, affirmed by federal courts, and confirmed by the Department of the Interior.

“Every time our rights are put to the test, they are affirmed by history, Congress, and the courts. We will not stand by while they are threatened in secret budget language,” said UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche. “This campaign gives our people and our allies the power to speak with one voice and defend what is rightfully ours.”

The campaign centers on a congressional letter-writing tool, empowering UKB Members, CNO Citizens, and allies to directly contact lawmakers. The effort will be amplified through earned media, social media, video storytelling, and targeted advertising in Washington, D.C.

UKB leadership urges all Members, partners, and friends of Indian Country to take immediate action by visiting https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/defendukbrights.

I-NE-NA!