U.S. Attorney General Barr Meets With Cherokee Nation Leaders; Announces Nearly $300M In Tribal Grants

U.S. Attorney General William Barr is in Oklahoma on Wednesday to meet with Cherokee Nation leaders.

Prior to the meeting Barr spoke with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. The group discussed the Supreme Court's McGirt ruling and its impact on law enforcement with Cherokee Nation leaders. Earlier in 2020 the Supreme Court ruled that much of eastern Oklahoma is tribal land and that crimes committed by Native Americans or against Native Americans must be prosecuted in federal or tribal court.

Related Story: Officials Consider Legal Ramifications Of McGirt V. Oklahoma Ruling

In addition to the McGirt decision, Barr announced on Wednesday the Department of Justice will award more than $295.8 million in tribal grants.

"I am happy to announced today that the department is awarding over $296 million throughout the country for tribal grants to improve public safety, serve victims of crime, support law enforcement, COVID Assistance, and for the support of youth programs in American Indian and Alaska native communities," said Barr.

Barr added that $40 million will be going to Oklahoma with around $7 million for the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said yesterday that the Attorney General reached out to them and wanted to meet.

"We have, I think, the best in Indian Country in law enforcement and the judicial system. Obviously, there's issues that we're dealing with right now with McGirt. Certainly I think that has his interest," said Hoskin.

U.S. Attorneys Trent Shores and Brian Kuester will also be present.