February 2007 - Representatives Chuck Hoskin (Cherokee) and Scott BigHorse (Osage and Cherokee), both candidates endorsed by INDN’s List and elected in November, are speaking out against a bill making its way through the Oklahoma legislature. The bill declares English the official language of the state of Oklahoma and requires that all government business be conducted in English.

"Oklahoma is a Choctaw word," said Rep. Hoskin. "Are we going to have to change the name of all the towns, rivers, counties and other entities that are named from Native American languages? Instead of shunning the cultures that helped form our state we should embrace them."

"This bill would have a negative impact on the economy," commented Rep. BigHorse. "It would decrease tourism and send a message to everyone outside the state that Oklahoma does not embrace diversity.”

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State leaders, both Indian and non-Indian, decry the bill as a mean-spirited and bigoted throwback to the days when the American government forced Indians to speak English in their homes and schools. Not only is the bill discriminatory toward other cultures, but it serves no practical purpose beyond political gain.

Rep. Jerry McPeak (Muscogee Creek), a friend of INDN’s List, is also a leader in the fight. "This is a slap in the face to every Native American nation in Oklahoma," said Rep. McPeak. "I'm embarrassed to be a part of a Legislature that takes part in legislation like this. I am sure that this piece of Legislation is nothing more than political fluff, designed to scare people.”

“INDN’s List is convinced that racism and cultural discrimination in the halls of state legislatures and in the policies of our government must end if we are to move our country forward and create a country where diversity is allowed to enrich our lives instead of divide us ,” said Kalyn Free. “We supported Chuck, Scott, and all our candidates, because they recognize this and are committed to fighting back.”

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