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APACHE, OK - The Red River Compact is drawing concern from Oklahoma state Legislators, who have joined the Oklahoma tribes who oppose this move. In a general council of the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache tribes on January 17, two state senators spoke to those assembled, and a question and answer period allowed input from tribal members.

The Red River Compact would change the border between Texas and Oklahoma to the south vegetation line of the Red River. At present, the boundary lies at the south bank of the river, and part of the oil and gas revenues from river land is set aside for a trust fund to help tribal members. The compact was drawn up by the boundary commissions of both states, which contained only one Indian to represent all the tribes, Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache, as well as the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, whose land holdings will also be affected.

This measure was introduced in Congress in October as H.J.R.72, and in response the Kiowa/Comanche/Apache tribes' Intertribal Land Use Committee (KCAILUC) developed a position paper, contacted the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), officials in the Interior Department, and its congressional delegation to express its concern. NCAI responded with support for the tribes' position, and Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt wrote an amendment to protect the tribes' interests. The resolution was set aside by Congress until the next session, but it may well come up this month or soon thereafter. The January 17 meeting was called to allow further input from tribal members and apprise them of all the issues.

Senator Robert Kerr, D-Altus, addressed the January 17 meeting, indicating that he is opposed to H.J. Resolution 72 and its predecessors at the state level. Texas, he said, had never really agreed on the exact location of the south bank of the Red River. Obstacles such as very large trees, meandering vegetation, and flood seasons all change the geography of the river almost constantly. Oklahoma stands to lose tens of thousands of acres to Texas if H.J.Res. 72 is passed, said Senator Kerr, who consulted with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in making an estimate that 10,835 acres in his district alone (Jackson and Harmon counties) would end up in the Lone Star State. However, he stated his belief that what the commission came up with is no better than what they started with. He urged the tribes to continue their efforts and their contact with Interior Secretary Babbitt. He noted that the NCAI meets January 24 and will probably take up this issue then.

Senator Helton, whose district includes Lawton and all of Cotton County, indicated he shares Kerr's concerns on the Red River Compact. "I see two governors with big egos," he said, "who wanted this passed on their watch." Helton said he was approached by a constituent who commented that he stands to lose a lot of land to Texas if the measure passes. This Oklahoma citizen noted that he would then have to pay property taxes in Texas, which are about three times those of Oklahoma. He pledged his total support to the KCA stance. He also encouraged the tribes to continue their struggle. He feels there needs to be continued communication with the Congressional delegations by tribal members and others who oppose the measure.