The principal chief of the Cherokee Nation issued an executive order recently that the state flag of Oklahoma “should not ordinarily be displayed” on tribal property or at public events.
“In view of the unique government to government relationship between Cherokee Nation and the United States, display of flags of both nations on Cherokee Nation properties are appropriate,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. wrote in his executive order.
Therefore, he continued, “it shall be the express policy” of the Native American tribe “to ordinarily limit the display of flags on Cherokee Nation properties to the flag of the Cherokee Nation and flag of the United States.”
The order applies to any property owned or leased by the nation, including the tribe’s Housing Authority.
Departments of the Nation and its entities are instructed to display “appropriate flags” in the interior and exterior of facilities on tribal property “and at official Cherokee Nation events to the greatest extent practicable,” Hoskin wrote.
The flag of Oklahoma “may be displayed with approval” from tribal administrators. Authorization also will “ordinarily be given” for temporary display of the Oklahoma flag when a dignitary representing the state participates in an event, “as a demonstration of respect” for that representative.
In addition, the state flag may be flown “at all events, locations and facilities” when honoring or commemorating service in the Oklahoma National Guard, “at the direction of Administration or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.”
All state flags are to be removed from Cherokee Nation properties by Sept. 1, Hoskin decreed.
Until now, the state flag has been displayed at Cherokee Nation facilities equipped to fly more than one flag.
The executive order also states that preference will be accorded to flags manufactured within the 14-county Cherokee Reservation. Further, the Cherokee Nation shall neither buy nor display on tribal property any flag manufactured outside the United States, Hoskin ordered.
Political observers speculate that the Cherokee chief’s flag policy stems at least in part from tensions between the Nation and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who have feuded over fees on tribal gaming, hunting and fishing licenses, and the McGirt decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court decreed that crimes committed by or against Native Americans must be prosecuted in federal, not state, courts.
Southwest Ledger left messages seeking comments from Gov. Stitt and legislative leaders on June 9, but received no responses.