Oklahoma tribe gets lesson in politics

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Its first dabble into federal politics was a costly one, but the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe in Oklahoma would do it all again.

"Yes we would, because we are now involved in the political process," said tribal business secretary Archie Hoffman.

A year ago, the 4,200 hectare community in the northwestern part of the state banded together with 38 other Oklahoma tribes to form a coalition.

The Indian Citizens Empowerment Political Action Committee was organized to give Indians in the southern state a stronger voice. The first thing the Cheyenne-Arapaho lobbied for was a 2,800 hectare land claim.

Using money raised from a bingo fund, the action committee donated $107,000 to the Democratic National Committee. The money, it hoped, would get the Democratic government to recognize the coalition. Once recognized, the tribe hoped it would have a better chance of lobbying for the land in question.

What the tribe and the action committee received in return were invitations to a White House dinner with President Bill Clinton and supper at Vice-President Al Gore's house.

The tribe believed it had a good foot in the door. But almost a year after the donation was made, the land issue was still not settled.

Hoffman said the parcel of land was promised to the tribe by the government.

In 1869, the land being claimed was taken by the government for a military fort. Hoffman said once the fort was closed, the land was supposed to be returned to the reservation. But in 1949, it was turned over to the Agriculture Department instead.

"We have been fighting for it ever since," said Hoffman. "We are in desperate need."

The Cheyenne-Arapaho has a growing population and a high unemployment rate. Hoffman said 80 per cent of its members are out of work.

In March of this year, the Democratic National Committee returned the $107,000 back to the tribe.

Rick Grellner, attorney for the tribe, said members didn't want the refund.

"They don't want their money back. In fact they'd be insulted," he said.

Hoffman said the see-saw story of the little tribe which dabbled into federal politics has received a lot of media coverage over the past year.

"We got national recognition and world-wide recognition," Hoffman said. "The story itself has really helped us."

Although the money contribution failed to create any awareness, the follow-up media attention definitely has, said Hoffman.

In fact, it looks like a bill designed to return the 2,800 hectares back to the tribe is in the working stages. A Washington D.C. law firm has offered free legal help to process the land claim.

It also appears that two members of the U.S. Congress have pledged to sponsor the bill when it is introduced.

Randy Swanson, press secretary for Frank Lucas, northwest Oklahoma congressman, said his office knows nothing of the bill.

"I'm not aware of any legislation. . . to give the lands back to them," he said from his Oklahoma City office.

The Cheyenne-Arapaho and Hoffman have had a bumpy introduction to federal politics, but Hoffman said it has been a good learning experience. If the opportunity arose the tribe would take another chance.

He said the tribe's experience in the political forum is "just the beginning."

Hoffman would like to see more American Indians get involved in politics. It's the best way to make sure Indians are heard by the politicians.

Ultimately, Hoffman would like to see an American Indian in the government, but for right now, back at square one, the tribe is simply "fighting for our survival," he said.