Native American Tribal Leader Not Allowed to Testify in Committee
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OKLAHOMA CITY (April 2nd, 2008) The leader of the Cherokee Nation was barred from speaking in the General Government and Transportation Committee today.
“This is reprehensible,” said Representative Mike Brown, D- Tahlequah. “The House of Representatives is supposed to be a forum of free debate. To not allow the leader of one of the great native nations who has contributed so much to our state is inexcusable.”
“The bill, unfortunately, is more about politics than policy,” said Representative Jerry McPeak, D- Warner. “The leaders of our state agencies, such as the Secretary of State, have already taken steps to accomplish what this bill proposes. The author claims that he is not aiming this bill at Native Americans. Then who is his focus? Let’s address the real problem.”
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith was in the committee to express his opinion on the “English only” language being inserted into Senate Bill 163. The chair of the committee, Representative Guy Liebmann, R- Oklahoma City, would not allow Chief Smith to express his opinions and concerns on the topic. Committees are the only part of the Legislative process that allows for citizens and other interested parties to give testimony and opinions on pieces of legislation introduced in the Legislature
“Earlier this session, we allowed foreign Iraqi nationals to speak on the floor of the House of Representatives,” said McPeak, “and I find it absolutely outrageous that Principal Chief Smith was not allowed to speak in a committee.”
“Is this the way that we treat those who helped form the rich cultural heritage of our state?” questioned Brown. “Our Native American tribes are some of the biggest and most philanthropic entities in Oklahoma. It is only matter of time before we start whitewashing the murals in the rotunda and to disrespect the leader of a nation like that is unacceptable.
Audio of Chief Chad Smith
Click here to listen