When debating the creation of the Oklahoma Native American Affairs Liaison, Paul Wesselhoft advocated for the creation of a permanent Oklahoma Secretary of Native American Affairs; however, the Oklahoma Legislature instead created the liaison position and gave the Governor of Oklahoma the discretion to appoint a Secretary of Native American Affairs whenever they see fit.
[1] The Oklahoma Secretary of Native American Affairs was first created as a cabinet-level position within the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet by Governor Kevin Stitt in January 2019.
The first Secretary to serve was Chickasaw Nation citizen Lisa Johnson Billy.
[2] Johnson resigned in December 2019, citing the Stitt's administration's handling of tribal gaming compacts with the state.
[3] The second secretary, Brian Bingman, resigned on September 13, 2023 to run for corporation commissioner in 2024.