MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) – Some Cherokee Nation citizens are unhappy with the tribe’s hunting and fishing compact with Oklahoma and are circulating petitions calling for a vote on it.

The tribal council passed the compact in May and it was signed by Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Gov. Mary Fallin. The tribe will buy at least 150,000 licenses at $2 apiece for Oklahoma-based tribal citizens 16 or older and allows them to hunt and fish statewide – rather than just on tribal land.

Some in the tribe believe they already have the right to hunt and fish statewide at no cost.

Gayle Ross told the Muskogee Phoenix that the compact “is an abrogation of our sovereignty.”

But councilor and former Chief Joe Byrd said Cherokees he’s met are excited about the compact.

–––

Information from: Muskogee Phoenix, http://www.muskogeephoenix.com