Podcast Title: The Copernic Affair | Canadaland Investigates
Episode: Make Native America Great Again
Release Date: May 28, 2024
Hosts: Robert Jago and Angel Ellis

Introduction

In the episode titled "Make Native America Great Again," Canadaland Investigates delves into the controversial political figure Kevin Stitt, the Governor of Oklahoma. Hosts Robert Jago and Angel Ellis explore Stitt's claimed Cherokee heritage, his political stance on tribal sovereignty, and the implications of his policies on Native American communities.

Kevin Stitt’s Background and Rise to Power

Early Life and Education: Kevin Stitt presents himself as a native son of Oklahoma, hailing from Norman and a member of the Cherokee Nation. He describes his upbringing in a small town with strong Christian influences, attending Oklahoma State University (OSU) and becoming deeply involved in both academics and extracurricular activities.

Kevin Stitt [05:00]: "I'm a pretty typical Oklahoma son...Don't ever give up. Don't ever quit. The future doesn't just happen. You make it happen. So dream big."

Business Endeavors: Post-college, Stitt founded Gateway Mortgage Group in Tulsa with humble beginnings, claiming success despite the looming mortgage crisis.

Kevin Stitt [12:12]: "Gateway is a mortgage lender...we started the company here in Tulsa back in January of 2000 and today we have over 1100 employees."

Political Ascent and Cherokee Identity

Election Campaign: Stitt's campaign for governor was marked by his declaration as a Cherokee citizen, positioning himself as a unique candidate who could bridge the gap between Native communities and the broader Oklahoma populace.

Stitt [13:29]: "I'm Kevin Stitt...I started Gateway Mortgage Group...I'm a member of the Cherokee Nation."

Public Perception: Despite his self-identification, there was minimal engagement with the Cherokee community during his campaign. His rhetoric often highlighted a desire for uniformity in laws, disregarding tribal sovereignty.

Angel Ellis [04:22]: "He just slips it in on the down low in circumstances where it helps him most."

Policies Impacting Tribal Sovereignty

McGirt v. Oklahoma Case: The Supreme Court's decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma affirmed tribal jurisdiction over crimes in reservation areas. Stitt's response was antagonistic, seeking to undermine the ruling and enforce state laws uniformly, regardless of tribal treaties.

Stitt [21:32]: "Basically, the McGirt decision said that we still have reservations in our state...that's what I still believe."

Cultural and Economic Rebranding: Stitt initiated efforts to erase indigenous symbols and slogans from state branding, replacing them with generic alternatives, which many viewed as an act of cultural erasure.

Angel Ellis [22:56]: "It's an extra chapter of erasure...we're just gonna wipe you off again."

Investigation into Stitt’s Cherokee Heritage

Historical Context: In the late 1800s, Oklahoma's land, originally Indian Territory, was allocated to individual Native Americans. During this period, land agents often facilitated fraudulent enrollments to claim land legally.

Graham Brewer and Simon Romero’s Investigation: Their research uncovered that Stitt's Cherokee enrollment stems from his ancestor, Francis Dawson, who paid to be listed as Cherokee to claim land. This method was a common tactic exploited by the Land Bureau agents of that era.

Robert Jago [29:18]: "Why would anybody do that?"

Stitt’s Denial: Governor Stitt denies any wrongdoing, labeling the investigation as "unsafe, substantiated slander."

Stitt [29:57]: "I think there's a lot of...unsafe, substantiated slander."

Implications of Stitt’s Policies and Identity Claims

Impact on Native Communities: Stitt's policies have sown distrust and tension within Native communities. His dismissal of tribal sovereignty and attempts to enforce state law uniformly are seen as hostile and dismissive of treaty rights.

Angel Ellis [24:49]: "He just fundamentally does not recognize the sovereignty of tribal nations."

Future Prospects: With Stitt's tenure as governor concluding, there is skepticism about his future in politics. Concerns arise about his potential influence at the federal level, particularly under administrations aligned with his conservative ideology.

Angel Ellis [32:14]: "He really would be that conservative solution to the native problem...that just scares the hell out of me."

Conclusion

The episode "Make Native America Great Again" presents a critical examination of Kevin Stitt's political career and his claimed Cherokee heritage. Through investigative journalism, Canadaland highlights the complexities and tensions arising from Stitt's policies on tribal sovereignty and the legitimacy of his Native American identity. The hosts emphasize the broader implications for Native communities in Oklahoma and the importance of genuine representation in political leadership.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kevin Stitt on Tribal Sovereignty:

  [25:15] "Regardless of your race or where you live, we should all be under the same rules."

• Angel Ellis on Stitt’s Cultural Erasure:

  [24:16] "It really is like an extra chapter of erasure."

• Robert Jago on Pretendian Definitions:

  [31:10] "The whole premise of this series is that we're looking at people who are Pretendians...if we're looking at the sacred card, well, he's a citizen, so he's not a pretending."

• Investigation Findings:

  [29:29] "Stitt had only one direct tie to the tribe, which was Francis Dawson. His ancestor Francis Dawson paid $100 a head for him and his family to be added as Cherokee citizens."

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity of Identity: The legitimacy of Kevin Stitt's Cherokee heritage is under scrutiny, revealing potential historical fraud.
• Policy Impact: Stitt's approach to tribal sovereignty has significant repercussions for Native communities, challenging established treaties and legal frameworks.
• Representation Matters: Genuine representation in political roles is crucial for advocating and protecting the rights of marginalized communities.

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between identity, politics, and power, urging listeners to critically evaluate the narratives presented by their leaders.