Cherokee Nation orders removal of Oklahoma flags from regular display

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) – The Cherokee Nation will remove Oklahoma state flags from display unless it hosts an event with a state dignitary or to honor service in the Oklahoma National Guard.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed an order last week that only the flags of the Cherokee Nation and United States should be displayed on a regular basis on tribal property.

Oklahoma flags are to be taken down by Sept. 1 under the new order.

The Cherokee Nation provided NewsChannel 8 with a statement from Hoskin, saying this doesn’t signal a major break from the tribe’s partnership with Oklahoma.

"The Cherokee Nation remains a close partner and ally of the state of Oklahoma, and the executive order is not intended to send any message to the contrary. The Cherokee Nation is a sovereign entity with jurisdiction over our reservation, and the use of the Cherokee Nation flag on our land should reflect the strength and determination of the Cherokee people over these 113 years. The Oklahoma state flag remains in use at events involving Oklahoma government leadership or honoring visiting dignitaries and service in the Oklahoma National Guard.”

Relations between the state government and Oklahoma’s sovereign tribes have been strained over the last several years, stemming from disagreements over the McGirt ruling and casino compacts.