BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
THE OKLAHOMA INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION (OIAC) is currently in its 43rd year of existence as a state agency. The Commission serves as the single point-of-contact between state government and Oklahoma's Indian Nations. The Commission's statutory mission is to serve as the liaison between the American Indian citizens of the state, tribal leaders, tribal governments, private sector entities, various Federal and State agencies, and the Executive and Legislative branches of Oklahoma state government. (74 O.S. § 1201)
The four (4) primary goals of the Commission are: (1) Create State and Federal Legislation; (2) Create an Advisory Committee; (3) Develop and Implement Research Projects and Reports; and (4) Develop Cooperative Programs Between Tribes and State, Federal, and Local governments, Private Entities, Health Organizations, Educational Agencies, Tourism, and Economic Development Entities.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Commission is governed by a Board of Commissioners comprised of nine (9) tribal members appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. Appointees serve on the board for three-year terms. Four (4) of the appointed members are enrolled members of tribes represented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Eastern Oklahoma Region (Muskogee) and four (4) are enrolled members of tribes represented by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Plains Region (Anadarko). There is one additional at-large member. A Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected by the Board at the annual meeting, which takes place in July of each year.
The nine voting members currently serving as Commissioners are as follows:
![]() COMMISSIONER BILL FOLLIS OIAC Chairman Modoc Tribe Chief Current Term: 2009-2012 |
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![]() COMMISSIONER JOHN A. BARRETT Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman Current Term: 2010-2013 |
![]() COMMISSIONER KEN BLANCHARD Absentee Shawnee Tribe Current Term: 2008-2011 |
![]() COMMISSIONER MARY FLUTE-COOKSEY Cherokee Nation Current Term: 2008-2011 |
![]() COMMISSIONER JEFFERSON KEEL Chickasaw Nation Lieutenant Governor Current Term: 2010-2013 |
![]() COMMISSIONER RON SPARKMAN Shawnee Tribe Chairman Current Term: 2009-2012 |
![]() COMMISSIONER CHARLES LOCUST United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees Assistant Chief Current Term: 2010-2013 |
![]() COMMISSIONER WANDA STONE Kaw Nation Current Term: 2008-2011 |