Building a Partnership of Mutual Respect
Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized Tribal Nations.
Their history is inseparable from the history of Oklahoma itself.
The relationship between the State of Oklahoma and our Tribal Nations should not be built on political conflict or courtroom battles.
It should be built on communication, mutual respect, transparency, and partnership.
The Farmer Servant Tribal Relations Plan begins with one simple belief:
We accomplish more when we work together than when we work against one another.
As Governor, I will treat Tribal leaders as partners in building a stronger Oklahoma.
Step 1: Government-to-Government Respect
Tribal Nations are sovereign governments recognized under federal law.
The State of Oklahoma should honor government-to-government relationships while working cooperatively on issues affecting all Oklahomans.
Respect begins by listening.
Step 2: Meet Regularly with Tribal Leaders
Communication should not happen only during times of disagreement.
As Governor, I will meet regularly with Tribal leaders to discuss issues including:
- Public safety
- Healthcare
- Education
- Transportation
- Water resources
- Economic development
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Emergency management
- Workforce development
Strong relationships are built through consistent communication.
Step 3: Protect Oklahoma’s Water Together
Water does not recognize political boundaries.
The Farmer Servant Administration will work collaboratively with Tribal Nations to protect:
- Rivers
- Lakes
- Streams
- Aquifers
- Drinking water
- Watersheds
Clean water is one of our greatest shared responsibilities.
Step 4: Build Economic Partnerships
When Oklahoma succeeds, our Tribal Nations should succeed as well.
The Farmer Servant Plan supports expanding partnerships in:
- Small business development
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Workforce training
- Infrastructure
Economic growth should benefit all Oklahomans.
Step 5: Strengthen Public Safety Partnerships
State, local, federal, and Tribal law enforcement share many of the same goals.
We should continue strengthening cooperation in:
- Criminal investigations
- Missing persons cases
- Drug enforcement
- Human trafficking investigations
- Emergency response
- Disaster recovery
Working together makes every community safer.
Step 6: Expand Healthcare Cooperation
Many Tribal Nations provide outstanding healthcare services.
The State should look for opportunities to partner with Tribal healthcare systems to improve access to care, especially in rural Oklahoma.
Healthy communities benefit everyone.
Step 7: Improve Education Together
Education partnerships between the State and Tribal Nations can expand opportunities for Oklahoma students.
Areas of cooperation may include:
- Career and technical education
- Early childhood education
- Language preservation
- Cultural education
- Scholarships
- Workforce training
Education strengthens future generations.
Step 8: Protect Cultural Heritage
Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations have rich histories, cultures, and traditions that deserve respect and preservation.
The Farmer Servant Administration will support efforts to preserve historic sites, languages, cultural resources, and educational opportunities that help future generations understand Oklahoma’s shared history.
Step 9: Resolve Differences Through Dialogue
Disagreements will happen.
The goal should not be endless litigation.
Whenever possible, the State should seek solutions through open communication, negotiation, and mutual respect before turning to lengthy legal battles.
Good relationships require good faith.
Step 10: Include Tribal Voices in Major Decisions
Many statewide decisions directly affect Tribal communities.
Before major decisions involving issues such as water, infrastructure, transportation, economic development, public safety, or environmental policy, Tribal leaders should have a meaningful opportunity to share their perspectives.
Better decisions are made when everyone has a seat at the table.
Step 11: Build Trust Through Transparency
The Farmer Servant movement believes transparency strengthens every partnership.
The People’s Table will make information about state initiatives, agreements, and collaborative efforts more accessible to the public whenever legally appropriate.
Trust grows when communication is open.
Step 12: Focus on the Next Generation
Our responsibility is not simply to solve today’s challenges.
It is to build relationships that will benefit future generations.
When the State of Oklahoma and Tribal Nations work together, our children inherit stronger communities, better opportunities, healthier environments, and a brighter future.
The Goal
The Farmer Servant Tribal Relations Plan is not about choosing sides.
It is about building partnerships.
The State of Oklahoma and our Tribal Nations each bring unique strengths, histories, and perspectives.
By treating one another with respect, listening before acting, protecting our shared resources, and working together to solve common challenges, we can accomplish more than either could alone.
As Governor, I will lead with humility, honesty, and a commitment to partnership.
Because Oklahoma’s future will be strongest when all of its people—and all of its governments—work together in good faith.
It’s a WE thing, not a ME thing.