February News Byte 2025
Tribal Policy, Justice, and Business in Focus
Hello, Verified News Community! February has been a month filled with powerful stories, major policy discussions, and ongoing efforts to amplify Indigenous voices. From economic opportunities to justice for missing Indigenous relatives, we’re bringing you the news that matters to Indian Country and beyond.
Justice and Policy Updates
One of the biggest developments this month came from Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who urged newly appointed members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education to exercise independent judgment rather than follow Governor Kevin Stitt’s directives without question. His call for accountability comes amid increasing political pressure on the state’s education system.
Over in Muscogee (Creek) Nation, a bill that would have limited the Principal Chief’s ability to repeatedly nominate temporary cabinet positions was vetoed by Chief David Hill. The proposed legislation also included penalties for repeated temporary appointments, sparking debate over governance and transparency.
In another political showdown, Governor Stitt’s office faced backlash after posting a misleading meme suggesting that different races have different speed limits in Tulsa. The governor’s post further inflamed tensions between tribal advocates and state leadership.
Tribal and Business Developments
On the Osage Reservation, Osage Agency Superintendent Adam Trumbly was laid off as part of a federal government reduction plan. Trumbly was the second Osage citizen to hold the role, and his departure raises questions about the future of Bureau of Indian Affairs leadership in the region.
City leaders in Broken Arrow are supporting new legislation aimed at transforming Northeastern State University’s Broken Arrow campus into a four-year institution. If successful, this effort could have a major impact on education access and workforce development in the region.
And for those looking to grow their businesses, Native Commerce News highlighted can’t-miss Indian Country commerce events this year, sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO). These gatherings provide vital networking opportunities and resources for Native entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach.
Honoring Aubrey Dameron & the Fight Against MMIWG2T
On February 6, the Facebook page “Missing-Aubrey Dameron from Grove, Oklahoma” changed its name to “Remembering Aubrey Dameron from Grove, Oklahoma”, a digital signal affirming the tragic news Quapaw Marshals released the day before: the beloved Two Spirit woman’s remains had been found. Her family and community members gathered in Oklahoma City to honor her memory this month, highlighting the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Transgender (MMIWG2T) crisis.
In related news, VNN Oklahoma’s MMIWG2T Historical Reporting Project was held this week in Tulsa.
Six Indigenous journalists are in their last day of convening to explore how historical injustices—such as land theft and forced assimilation—continue to contribute to modern-day violence against Native American community members.
The workshop comes on the heels of a new report that found homicides were higher than any other year on record in 2023.
Environmental & Economic Impacts
A group of kayakers paddled down the Illinois River to raise awareness about pollution linked to the poultry industry this month. The river, a cherished natural resource for many Oklahomans and tribal nations, remains at the center of a long legal battle over agricultural waste runoff.
And Osage Nation is preparing for a potential boom in the drone industry, with Skyway36 gearing up for an influx of drone testing. With the drone services market projected to grow significantly, this development could bring new opportunities for technological advancements to the Nation and beyond.
Stay Engaged with VNN
With so much happening, we encourage you to stay connected. Save the VNN app to your mobile phone home screen, follow us on social media, and visit our Latest News Feed to stay updated in real time.
Thank you for being part of our community and supporting Native-owned technology and journalism. Together, we will continue to elevate Native perspectives and hold those in power accountable with our fellow collaborators.
With gratitude,
The VNN Team