It has been a long-standing policy among the different tribes in Oklahoma, as well as tribes in the United States, to maintain areas of jurisdiction within their own tribal boundaries. Whether this is a written law, policy, or a gentleman's agreement does not matter.

When the Choctaw Nation crossed the Arkansas River to purchase the Blue Ribbon Downs Race Trace in Sallisaw, it flagrantly violated observation of another tribe's jurisdictional area of operation.

It was public knowledge that the Cherokee Tribal Council had authorized Chief Smith to bid on the property when the bidding date was set. The Choctaw Nation, without prior notice to the Cherokee Nation of their intentions, plunked down $1.25 million more than some estimates valued the racetrack.

This was an offer the owners could not refuse.

The Choctaw Nation's actions may have damaged the good working relations between the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes that has worked well for some 50 or 60 years. Consider the message the other tribes in Oklahoma are getting about properties in another tribal jurisdiction that they may want to purchase.

I think sovereignty is at issue here. And there are dangerous implications. Let's not raid or buy property in another tribe's jurisdiction with gaming being the motivation. The Choctaws and Chickasaws would be greatly concerned if Lake Texoma had been for sale and the Cherokee Nation had bought and operated any business adjacent to or within their boundaries.

The illustration points out the mass confusion it will cause about the sovereignty of each tribal government in the State of Oklahoma, not to mention Indian Nations throughout the United States.

It would obliterate all Indian Nation boundaries as we presently know them. If tribes do not respect their jurisdictional boundaries, then how can we expect the State to do so?

If the Compact with the State of Oklahoma becomes law, all tribes will be affected by it.

Any tribe with the resources could buy any business or property within any national tribe boundary, with or without the consent of the invaded tribe.

I think it is time all Cherokee Nation citizens get involved and make certain that we are not taken advantage of because of our good nature, and prepare to play hardball. We can start by talking with our elected officials.

Talk to members of other tribes and inform them should another tribe have eyes on a piece of property within their boundaries. It is highly probable that the largest tribes, or those with the most resources, can own or run the most lucrative businesses within your tribal boundaries.

Think about it.

Let's all back out of this situation before more harm is inflicted upon our Inter-Tribal Council.

John A. Ketcher (former Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief, former Councilman)

Tahlequah