The University of Tulsa hosts the summit on Aug. 27 and features multiple Tribal, state and local leaders
TULSA, Oklahoma – United Indian Nations of Oklahoma (UINO) will bring Tribal leaders and partners from across the state together Thursday, Aug. 27, in Tulsa for discussions on federal Indian health policy, Tribal sovereignty, threats to Tribal gaming by prediction markets, Oklahoma’s November general election, Native voter engagement and continued advocacy efforts.
The meeting is hosted by the University of Tulsa and will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Lorton Performing Arts Center. University of Tulsa President Stacy Leeds, a Cherokee Nation citizen, will welcome Tribal leaders to campus and serve as the luncheon keynote speaker.
“As election season is upon us, now is an important time for UINO to come together for its quarterly meeting,” said UINO Chairperson Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe. “It’s a great time for tribal nations and citizens to recommit themselves to unity across Oklahoma because together our voices are stronger.”
Panels will examine the realignment of the Oklahoma Indian Health Service Area Office with the Albuquerque Area Office, including anticipated policy changes and potential impacts on Tribal health programs, health access, partners and communities.
Tribal sovereignty and gaming issues will also be a major focus of the meeting as leaders discuss the growing threat posed by prediction markets and federally unregulated wagering. The Indian Gaming Association has been leading national efforts to challenge prediction markets, which Tribal gaming leaders warn threaten not only Tribal gaming revenue but the legal framework and exclusivity upon which Tribal gaming is built.
With UINO’s quarterly meeting convening just two days after the November ballot is finalized, Oklahoma Policy Institute and the League of Women Voters will provide one of the first comprehensive general election previews of candidates and state questions.
In 2027, a new governor and attorney general take office, both key positions impacting Tribal sovereignty. UINO has invited all candidates for both offices to participate. So far, gubernatorial candidate Cyndi Munson and Attorney General candidate Nick Coffey have accepted the invitation to share their vision for a new relationship between the state of Oklahoma and its 38 federally recognized tribes.
UINO will also provide an update on its Warrior Up to Vote initiative, which travels to Tribes and reservations across Oklahoma to register Native voters.
“Warrior Up to Vote is a tribal leader-led initiative to engage Tribal voters and promote voting in state and national elections,” said Margo Gray, UINO Executive Director. “When our Native voices are united, we can have a major influence on policy and legislation affecting our Tribes, our families and our daily lives.”
UINO members will conclude the day by reviewing proposed updates to the organization’s bylaws, gathering member input on ways to strengthen UINO’s role as an advocacy- and policy-focused organization, and considering resolutions. Members and prospective members may purchase or renew memberships at the summit. Learn more at uinoklahoma.com.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: United Indian Nations of Oklahoma Quarterly Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lorton Performing Arts Center, University of Tulsa, 550 S. Gary Pl., Tulsa, OK
