TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Council of the Cherokee Nation today approved an extension of its motor vehicle tag compact with the state of Oklahoma after months of negotiations.
Under the new compact – which is unique to the Cherokee Nation and based on a framework in place for more than two decades – the tribe will continue to issue tags to both in-reservation and at-large Cherokee citizens. As with previous motor vehicle compacts, the term of the agreement is 10 years and will take effect on January 1, 2025.
“I am pleased that the state recognized the benefits on all sides from decades of successful compacting and our mutual interest in continuing this collaboration,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Throughout this process, we sought an agreement that would benefit both Cherokee Nation citizens and Oklahomans, and I am proud of the good-faith negotiations to achieve this favorable outcome. This new compact upholds our tribal sovereignty and ensures we can continue to provide essential funding for public schools, roads, and law enforcement agencies for years to come.”
Each tribe in Oklahoma exercises its sovereign right to determine agreements that are best for its people, and the Cherokee Nation’s model is unique among tribes in the state in enabling the tribe to operate tag offices and issue car tags for off-reservation citizens in Oklahoma.
“With this compact we have secured at-large tags for a decade, we will continue to invest in the public good, and we will have preserved, protected and defended Cherokee Nation sovereignty,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “This is a ‘win-win.’”
Since 2002, the compact has generated $258 million in funding for vital services like public schools, roads and law enforcement.
“For two decades, our compact model has generated millions of dollars in funding for Oklahoma communities and has been a source of both jobs and pride for our citizens,” said Cherokee Nation Attorney General Chad Harsha. “It was therefore critical that any compact we signed retained these important benefits. Under this new deal, our tribe will continue to provide for our people and work with the state to support Oklahoma’s infrastructure, public safety, and other needs.”
“The historic success of our car tag compact demonstrates the power of advocating for all of our citizens across Oklahoma and the importance of upholding tribal sovereignty,” said Cherokee Nation At-large Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell. “This new compact not only enables all Cherokee citizens throughout the state to acquire a Cherokee Nation car tag, but also will continue to generate consistent revenue to support our public services, lifting up our people and the institutions that make our communities thrive. We remain ready to work with our partners in Oklahoma to continue supporting our communities and their needs.”
Please review the online FAQ for additional information on the motor vehicle compact and what it means for Cherokee Nation citizens.