EDMOND — Oklahoma is Native America. Critical to our state’s future is seizing upon the immense economic and cultural value of the varied peoples that are Oklahoma.

From pioneers to a myriad of American Indian tribes we are a melting pot of history. Oklahoma was Indian Territory long before statehood and is still “Indian country” under federal law. We have more Native Americans per capita than any other state. There are 39 federally recognized tribes here. Each is an independent sovereign government with resources, funding, revenues and a larger part to play in our economic future.

Our elected officials fail continually to grasp the opportunity to build viable economic bridges between Oklahoma’s Native American governments and our state. There is a lack of recognition of the true power of underutilized partnerships.

Tourism is and can be a bigger part of job creation. We have little to showcase our heritage to make Oklahoma a destination spot. Europeans come in large numbers to see the “west” and learn of the American Indian.

There is no better place than Oklahoma to bring these dynamics of art, culture, history and legacies alive. We have a great opportunity with the new developing $177 million Cultural Center and Museum, alongside the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to place our state on the travel map. Yet there will be no means to complete this project this fall when the state agency building the center runs out of money.

In a travesty of leadership failure, the Legislature omitted to take up a bill that, with no cost to the state, would ensure continued federal funding. This  will lead to missed opportunities and is a slight to Oklahoma’s Native peoples. We should be outraged.

There has been a continuing lack of Oklahoma’s elected leadership to truly grasp the significance of the political and economic power of the Indian tribes.  We must demand more of the next governor to boldly endorse inclusion and build workable economic relationships between the state and our sovereign leadership for the betterment of all Oklahomans.

Recognizing the significance of our Indian heritage can renew the focus on partnerships between tribal governments, communities and businesses for cooperative development. Tribes and minority companies have federal incentives that used with local governments and businesses add a valuable resource to any economic effort. These partnerships benefit the state but also cities like Edmond.

Oklahoma is unique. Our diversity offers opportunities to build upon. In tough economic times we must rely on all attributes for competitive success. The tribes as independent economic engines can attract business and increasing state revenues. Partnerships can extend statewide and include Edmond businesses and educational facilities.

Many Oklahomans are unaware of the importance of tribal economic incentives. Companies locating on tribal trust lands are eligible for federal accelerated depreciation of equipment and assets with no real property or inventory tax. Any business located in “Indian country” (defined by federal law as most of Oklahoma) employing a tribal member is eligible for a $4,000 federal income tax credit annually for each person.

Besides small business and minority incentives for Native American companies, the Indian Incentive Program under the Department of Defense offers any prime contractor subcontracting a Native American business a 5 percent cash rebate calculated on the subcontract. Some of these incentives can work for Edmond companies. Native American-owned businesses in Edmond and businesses that partner with Native American tribes or companies can benefit.

 Overlooking funding of the Native American Heritage Center is no small slight. The tribes employ more than 18,000 and rank within the top employers in the state. They contribute more than $15 billion annually to the economy. The three largest Indian Nations — Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw — have multi-disciplined governments and enterprises with combined assets of more than $1 billion and annual revenues exceeding $1.5 billion conservatively. The Indian Nations provide millions of dollars annually to scholarships and education, social programs, building of roads and infrastructure, health care facilities and businesses.

The Indian Nations, if invited to participate government to government with the state, add unmatched financial power for all of Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation alone contributed more than $28 million to education. With the need, for advanced degrees universities such as the University of Central Oklahoma can reach out to tribal governments to create specific educational programming.

It is time to combine resources for a better Oklahoma in uncertain economic times. Our heritage is vast. We must build on it. Partnerships and alliances between tribes, businesses and cities like Edmond offer strong, unique incentives for economic growth. It is time to build bridges forging a next generation of mutual economic benefit. Demand accountability from those elected to act in the better interest of the state. It is our heritage of hope.



PHIL G. BUSEY SR., an Edmond resident, is chairman and CEO of The Busey Group of Companies.