Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission

THE NATIVE AMERICAN CAUCUS OF THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The first Native American Caucus was formed during the Second Session of the 50th Legislature. The bi-partisan Caucus was formed to "educate the House membership about Native American issues and develop closer relationships with leaders of the state's 39 tribal governments" [of which 37 are federally recognized].

THE 20-MEMBER CAUCUS IS LEAD BY TWO CO-CHAIRS:

Co-Chair Rep. Lisa Billy (Chickasaw) - R-Purcell; and
Co-Chair Rep. Jerry McPeak (Muscogee Creek) - D-Warner.

	Rep. Lisa Billy, a former legislator for the Chickasaw Nation, is the Majority Caucus Vice-Chairman and the Deputy Majority Whip of the House. Rep. Billy also serves as Chairman of the International, Federal & Tribal Relations Committee, through which the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission funding passes, as well as a member of the General Government & Transportation Committee; Human Services Committee; and Committee for Children & Families. She also serves as a Co-Chair of the Economic Development Committee for the National Native American Caucus.
	Rep. Jerry McPeak is the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader of the House. Rep. McPeak also serves as a member of the General Government & Transportation Committee; Economic Development & Financial Services Committee; Energy Subcommittee; and Transportation Subcommittee.

Other Members include Speaker of the House Rep. Chris Benge (Cherokee); Representatives Scott BigHorse (Osage); Doug Cox (Muscogee Creek); Rex Duncan (Choctaw); Larry Glenn (Cherokee); Chuck Hoskin (Cherokee); Shane Jett (Cherokee); Fred Jordan (Cherokee); Ken Luttrell (Cherokee); Steve Martin (Cherokee); Al McAffrey (Choctaw); Ray McCarter (Chickasaw); Skye McNiel (Muscogee Creek); Anastasia Pittman (Seminole); T.W. Shannon (Chickasaw); Jerry Shoemake (Cherokee); Daniel Sullivan (Choctaw); and Paul Wesselhoft (Citizen Potawatomi).

The first meeting of the Caucus took place on February 21, 2006, and subsequent meetings have been scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month during the legislative session. For more information on the Caucus, you may contact either of the Co-Chairs or members at the House of Representatives main number, (405) 521-2711.