Leaders from several of Oklahoma's Native American tribes have reacted strongly to a speech by the state's Governor, Kevin Stitt, in which he criticised tribal sovereignty.
The leaders watched the speech firsthand from the State Capitol House gallery on Monday.
In the Governor's State of the State address ahead of the legislative session, Mr Stitt complained about what he said was "two set of laws" when it comes to taxation and federalisation of eastern Oklahoma because of the McGirt decision in the US Supreme Court.
"All laws should apply equally to all Oklahomans. No exceptions," he said, News On 6 reports.
The Republican governor also referred to native Americans as a separate race.
Cherokeen Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. described the comments as "really remarkable".
"The Governor and I have been in office roughly the same period of time. I don't think I would've expected his grasp of the basic subject to actually decrease over the course of his time in office," he said.
"He seems to command not many facts, certainly not much law when he describes tribes as a race. He's got to know at this point that's wrong. We've tried to educate him, but if he doesn't, it means he's regressing in the basic knowledge of the fact that tribes are sovereigns.
"We were here before anyone ever heard of the state of Oklahoma. We're the best friends the state of Oklahoma ever had. We just need to be treated with respect, and what he did today was not respectful."
Representative Scott Fetgatter, who oversees tribal and external affairs, expressed frustration with Governor Stitt's remarks about tribal relationships.
Representative Fetgatter, a Choctaw man and member of the Republicans, criticised the governor for allegedly damaging the longstanding partnerships between the state and its 39 tribes, News on 6 reports. He highlighted a legislative stalemate, where the governor consistently vetoes initiatives aimed at strengthening these relationships, including a Bill regarding gaming deductions important for Oklahoma residents.
He pointed out that tribal nations collectively contribute billions to the state's economy, emphasising their importance as stable partners.
"You know, this morning, I believe, I heard of first, I heard Devin Energy is leaving the state of Oklahoma. That's big news, and we hate to hear that today. The one thing I can assure you today. There are 39 tribes that contribute billions of dollars to the economy in the state of Oklahoma, and they will never leave our state to go to Houston," Representative Fetgatter said, News on 6 reports.
The Representative said tribal relations have a chance at improving with a new governor - despite being a member of the same party as Mr Stitt.
