United Indian Nations of Oklahoma Host First Meeting of 2026

Tribal leaders address issues like illegal gambling, immigration enforcement, and state-tribal relations.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tribal leaders from the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma gathered in Tulsa on Tuesday for the first meeting of 2026. They discussed concerns over illegal gambling, immigration enforcement impacting tribal members, and the relationship between the state and tribes. Policy experts and a Republican gubernatorial candidate were in attendance as the leaders voiced their desire for change and a unified voice on these important issues.

Why it matters

The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma represents 33 of the state's 38 recognized tribes, making it an influential voice on matters affecting Native communities. The issues raised at this meeting, such as illegal gambling and immigration enforcement, have wide-ranging implications for all Oklahomans, not just tribal members.

The details

At the meeting, Chief Ben Barnes of the Shawnee Tribe and Chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma criticized what he called "unacceptable behavior" in the state's gambling industry, including the ability to bet on inappropriate events with little regulation. Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall was present and asked questions about predictive marketing and regulating third-party gambling operations. The tribal leaders also shared concerns about immigration enforcement actions that have impacted their citizens, including reports of tribal members being stopped and asked for identification.

  • The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma held its first meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Ben Barnes

Chief of the Shawnee Tribe and Chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma.

Charles McCall

Republican candidate for Governor of Oklahoma.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This type of behavior is anti-social, anti-social at best, corrupt and illegal at worst.”

— Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe and Chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma

“One of the questions was about predictive marketing, working with tribal nations on making sure that these things, these third parties are regulated within our state, that you shouldn't be wagering on wars, you shouldn't be wagering on the outcome on how many missiles are fired. Those kind of things should be illegal.”

— Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe and Chairman of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma

What’s next

The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma plans to host three more meetings in 2026, with plans to invite more gubernatorial candidates to discuss potential collaboration.

The takeaway

This meeting highlights the influential role of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma in advocating for the interests of the state's Native communities. The tribal leaders' concerns over issues like illegal gambling and immigration enforcement demonstrate their desire to work with state leaders to address problems affecting all Oklahomans.