OKLAHOMA CITY — United Indian Nations of Oklahoma will convene its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, June 24, at OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City. The agenda reflects a powerful lineup of Tribal leaders, policy and legal experts, and community advocates coming together to discuss critical issues facing Tribal Nations in Oklahoma.
The day will begin with breakfast and registration at 8 a.m., followed by opening remarks from UINO Chairperson Chief Ben Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe, roll call from UINO Secretary Chief David Hill of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and a financial report from UINO Treasurer Bruce Pratt.
'This gathering is about uniting our priorities and moving forward with a shared vision of Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic strength,' said Chief Ben Barnes, Chairperson of UINO. 'Our agenda reflects the leadership, collaboration, and resilience that define Indian Country in 2025.' The meeting spotlights pressing challenges and opportunities across Indian Country, featuring panel discussions on Tribal governance, health care, energy development on Tribal lands, cybersecurity, and intergovernmental relations.
The morning agenda* will feature high-level panel discussions on: Tribal Leadership and Governance; Native Healthcare Reform and Reorganization; Energy Development and Emergency Permitting on Tribal Lands; State-Tribal Intergovernmental Relations; Cybersecurity Threats and Protections for Tribal Enterprises.
Confirmed Tribal leaders include: Chief David Hill, Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Chairwoman Jennifer Heminokeky, Fort Sill Apache Tribe; Chairwoman Kim Jenkins, Kaw Nation; Chief Lewis Johnson, Seminole Nation; Governor Reggie Wassana Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes; Lt. Governor Hershel Gorham, Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes; Secretary/Treasurer Linda Valliere-Siegmann, Quapaw Nation.
Matthew Morgan, Chickasaw Nation Special Envoy and Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, will deliver the keynote address. Morgan will present findings from the recently released 2025 Oklahoma Tribal Impact Study, which revealed a recordbreaking $23.4 billion annual economic impact by Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations, a nearly $5 billion increase over the past five years.
Other speakers include leaders and experts in health care, energy, law, taxation, gaming, economic development and other critical areas.
“This is a critical time for Indian Country to unite and shape our future,” said Margo Gray, Executive Director of UINO. “From defending sovereignty to securing economic opportunities, we are building coalitions and investing in the next seven generations of Native leaders. This meeting is about solutions, strategy, and solidarity.”
Action items on the agenda include: Consideration of UINO joining the Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty; A letter of support for Haskell Indian Nations University.
For the first time, UINO will host a limited number of vendor booths. Spaces are available for $100 and are open to businesses and organizations wishing to share or sell their work.
Membership in UINO is open to: All federally recognized Oklahoma Tribal Nations; Corporate and nonprofit organizations; Individuals of legal voting age who are enrolled citizens of Oklahoma-based Tribal Nations To learn more about membership or vendor opportunities, visit www.uinoklahoma.com/ membership or contact Executive Director Margo Gray at margo@uinoklahoma.co m.