Pawnee, Oklahoma — The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma (UINO) is set to host a non-partisan candidate forum on Thursday, 13 November, offering voters an opportunity to engage directly with contenders in the forthcoming Oklahoma House District 35 special election.
The event, taking place at the Roam Chief Event Center in Pawnee, will run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will also be streamed live via Facebook to allow virtual participation. Questions from online attendees will be accepted throughout the session, ensuring broader access to the discussion.
Opportunity for Civic Engagement
The forum is designed to provide an open platform where voters can meet the candidates, hear their priorities, and question them on issues affecting their local communities. Confirmed participants include Mike Waters (Republican), Kevin Wright (Republican), and Luke Kruse (Democrat). Other invited candidates include James Winn (Republican), Dillon Travis (Republican), and Amber Roberts (Republican).
Organised by UINO, the initiative aims to promote civic engagement among citizens of the Pawnee Nation, Osage Nation, and Otoe-Missouria Tribe. The organisation’s leadership emphasises that the event also serves a broader purpose — helping state candidates understand the principles of Tribal sovereignty, intergovernmental cooperation, and the significant role Tribal nations play in Oklahoma’s governance and economy.
“It’s important that candidates seeking to serve in the Oklahoma Legislature understand the role Tribal governments play in shaping our state’s future,” said UINO Chairperson Chief Ben Barnes, Chief of the Shawnee Tribe. “Forums like this help build mutual respect and awareness that lead to stronger partnerships between state and Tribal governments.”
Building Bridges Between State and Tribal Governments
UINO has long been active in fostering constructive dialogue between Tribal and state leaders. By hosting events such as the upcoming forum, the organisation seeks to ensure that candidates entering public service are familiar with the cultural, economic, and governmental dynamics that define Oklahoma’s Tribal communities.
Chief Barnes’s comments reflect a broader trend within Oklahoma politics, where Tribal governments are increasingly viewed as key partners in regional development, infrastructure, and economic strategy. According to UINO, the dialogue encouraged by such forums can help bridge gaps in understanding and create opportunities for collaboration across government levels.
The forum’s moderators will be Bruce Pratt, Treasurer of UINO and a member of the Pawnee Nation, alongside UINO Executive Director Margo Gray, an Osage citizen. Both are experienced facilitators of intergovernmental discussions and will guide the conversation toward issues of shared importance among state and Tribal constituencies.
Accessibility and Participation
The event is free and open to the public, with organisers encouraging voters from across House District 35 to attend either in person or online. UINO officials note that the Facebook Live broadcast is intended to make the discussion accessible to voters who cannot travel to Pawnee, allowing for a more inclusive exchange of ideas.
Voters attending the forum will be able to raise questions directly with candidates, giving them an opportunity to hear first-hand views on policy priorities ranging from education and healthcare to local economic growth and state-Tribal collaboration.
The Roam Chief Event Center, located at 810 Beck Drive in Pawnee, will host the gathering. With the event scheduled just under a month before the special primary election, candidates are expected to use the platform to outline their positions and demonstrate their understanding of both rural and Tribal community concerns.
Election Timeline
The Oklahoma House District 35 special primary election is set for Tuesday, 9 December 2025. If a primary runoff becomes necessary, it will take place on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, followed by the general election on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
These elections will determine who will represent the district in the Oklahoma Legislature — a decision of particular importance for communities within Pawnee and the surrounding region.
Commitment to Civic Awareness
UINO’s leadership sees the forum as part of its broader mission to encourage voter participation and public understanding of governmental processes. The organisation represents a coalition of Tribal governments and works to highlight the impact of Native Nations on Oklahoma’s economy, culture, and public affairs.
As Chief Barnes underscored, fostering mutual respect between candidates and Tribal governments is essential for effective policymaking and the long-term success of the state. “Forums like this help build mutual respect and awareness that lead to stronger partnerships between state and Tribal governments,” he said.
Further information about the event, including virtual access links and updates, is available via www.uino.org or through United Indian Nations of Oklahoma’s official Facebook page.
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