Oklahoma’s newly elected governor, Mike Mazzei, is poised to begin a fresh chapter of collaboration with the state’s tribal nations. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Vice Chairman Jason Smalley, who served with Mazzei in the state Senate and backed his campaign, expressed strong optimism about the partnership during a recent interview.
Shared Vision for Tribal‑State Cooperation
“I’m excited. I’m extremely optimistic, too,” Smalley said. “Governor‑Elect understands the roles for tribes, both from an economic development perspective, as well as what types of services we can complement the state. He’s going to continue to follow up on that, and we’re excited to help him in any way, shape or form.”
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation, one of 39 federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma, represents tens of thousands of members. The tribe sees the upcoming administration as an opportunity to address long‑standing challenges in health care, education, housing and employment, particularly for residents in rural communities.
Health Care Access in Rural Areas
One of Smalley’s top priorities is expanding access to specialized medical services outside of Oklahoma’s major cities. “What are our plans at the state level to bring doctors and access to specialized health care in rural areas? That’s where the tribes can really be a game changer,” he noted. The tribe hopes to work with the governor‑elect to leverage tribal health facilities and resources to fill gaps in the state’s health‑care network.
Education and Workforce Development
Education was another focal point of the discussion. Smalley highlighted the tribe’s desire for affordable, high‑quality education that leads to college degrees and skilled trades. “We’d love to see our citizens gain access to health care, but really access to education, overall affordable education, and a college degree,” he said. The partnership could involve scholarship programs, joint vocational training, and support for tribal schools.
Housing and Job Creation
Housing affordability and job creation were also cited as critical issues. Smalley believes that coordinated efforts between the state and tribal governments can stimulate economic development on tribal lands, creating jobs for both tribal members and the broader Oklahoma workforce.
Governor‑Elect Mazzei’s Commitment
Governor‑Elect Mazzei has publicly pledged to strengthen tribal‑state relations after years of tension. He has promised to respect tribal sovereignty while seeking collaborative solutions to shared challenges. Smalley’s remarks suggest that the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is ready to act on that promise, offering its expertise and resources to support state initiatives.
Community Outlook
November also marks Native American Heritage Month, providing a cultural backdrop for the renewed partnership. Tribal leaders across Oklahoma are using the month to celebrate their heritage and to outline future plans for their communities.
As the new administration prepares to take office, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s optimism reflects a broader hope among Oklahoma’s tribes that constructive dialogue and joint action will lead to tangible improvements in health, education, housing and employment for all Oklahomans.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
