- Details
- By Neely Bardwell
On this week’s Special Edition of Native Bidaské, Native News Online editor and publisher Levi Rickert and contributor Darren Thompson spoke with Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chuck Hoskin Jr. about the release of the Oklahoma v. Castro-HuertaOklahoma v. Castro-Huerta Supreme Court decision.
In this case, Oklahoma asked the Supreme Court to return some criminal jurisdiction to the state after the 2020 McGirt majority decision determined much of the eastern part of Oklahoma is still Indian land.
Chief Hoskin spoke about the repercussions of this decision on the sovereignty of Native nations.
“It's not a good decision. Look at the dissent. The dissent talks about the fact that in the 19th century during the Samuel Worcester case, a famous case involving a non-Indian in Cherokee land that was imprisoned by the state of Georgia, and went to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court said that the state of Georgia law had no effect on him and shouldn't have applied. The dissent said that the court stood strong at that time and today the court did wilt,” Hoskin says. “It really upends a great deal of precedent.”
He reassures Indian Country that, as of now, McGirt is still intact, although there are some who expect an attack again soon.
Watch the full recording of the Special Edition Bidaské below.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Healing Through Words: Joy Harjo's Powerful Journey of Grief and Resilience on Native Bidaské
Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee addresses Navajo Nation Council
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
