Tribes highlight contracting opportunities at AICCO Tulsa luncheon
- Cara Cowan Watts
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
By Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee 411
TULSA, Okla. — Tribal leaders from the Muscogee Creek Nation and Cherokee Nation addressed a full room of attendees Thursday, outlining contracting opportunities and resources available to Native businesses.
The panel featured Zechariah Harjo, secretary of the Muscogee Creek Nation, and Kayce O’Field, special assistant with Cherokee Nation TERO. Both speakers focused on how tribal citizens and Native-owned businesses can better access contracting pathways and navigate certification and compliance requirements.
On stage: Emcee Johnie Johnson, Cherokee Nation citizen and small business owner, Zechariah Harjo, secretary of the Muscogee Creek Nation, and Kayce O’Field, special assistant with Cherokee Nation TERO.
The event, hosted by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma Tulsa chapter, also recognized newly elected leadership for 2026.
State board officers include President Les McGee, Vice President Cindy Chambers, Secretary Amber Sharp and Treasurer Katera Snelling.
State board members include Julie Aldridge, Angie Reeves, David Bible, Will Lowe and Kendra Bennett.
Tulsa chapter officers include President Cody Graham, Vice President David Bible, Secretary Johnnie Johnson and Treasurer Les McGee.
Upcoming AICCO Tulsa luncheon meetings will continue at River Spirit Casino Resort throughout 2026. Dates and locations include:
April 2, 2026 in Ballroom 3
May 11, 2026 in Ballroom 4
June 11, 2026 in Ballroom 1-2
July 6, 2026 in Ballroom 4
August 6, 2026 in Ballroom 4
September 10, 2026 in Ballroom 4
October 1, 2026 in Ballroom 4
November 12, 2026 in the Locker Room
December 3, 2026 in the Locker Room
Organizers said the strong turnout reflects growing interest in Native contracting opportunities and continued collaboration between tribal governments and the business community.
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