Deborah Dotson is the only woman to be elected twice as President of Delaware Nation! During the President’s terms, Delaware Nation has continued to move forward despite the many challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Successful milestones achieved under her term(s) include:
Closing 4 Tribes Consortium Grant: Working with other area tribal leaders, the President was able to successfully close the grant despite uncovering corruption and mismanagement of grant funds that occurred before her presidency.
Received first Revenue Allocation Economic Development (RAED) Contribution: The accomplishments of DNEDA over the years has been unbelievable and this economic development arm of the Nation will continue to provide funds back to the Nation as it moves forward.
Delaware Nation Alcohol Beverage Ordinance was published in the Federal Register, which was not completed in the past.
Joined the lawsuit of United Keetoowah, et al v. FCC Chairman Pai: This lawsuit was important to Delaware Nation by ensuring that we are consulted regarding inadvertent discoveries of remains, funerary objects, unassociated funerary objects, and protection of our sacred sites.
Lineal Descendancy: Delaware Nation is the first tribe on the western side of Oklahoma to eliminate blood quantum as a requirement for enrollment. With a majority vote from the tribal citizens, this accomplishment ensured the longevity of the Nation.
Removing BIA from the Constitution: Delaware Nation is the first tribe on the western side of Oklahoma to remove BIA oversite from our Constitution. This accomplishment strengthens the Nation’s Sovereignty and allows self-governance.
Changed Tribal Accounts from IBC to Bank 7: IBC was charging Delaware Nation over $60,000 to maintain our accounts. The Executive Committee decided to move all our accounts to Bank 7 at a higher interest rate and no fees.
Opening of Delaware Nation Satellite office in PA: With a part-time employee located in the east coast area, it allows the Nation to have someone who can address issues in a timely manner and eliminates unnecessary travel expenses.
December 12, 2019, Delaware Nation purchases Dirt Road Graphics, LLC, a screen printing & embroidery company that is now wholly owned by the Nation. In purchasing Dirt Road Graphics, the Nation can purchase these products instead of outsourcing the expense to other businesses.
January 17, 2020, President Dotson and IT Director Joshua Farley delivered a donated historical Lenape map titled Coaquannock from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma to be safely preserved for future generations.
On Thursday, February 13, 2020, Delaware Nation joined Cherokee Nation, et al v. Stitt with 31 Oklahoma tribes to address the gaming compact issue with Governor Kevin Stitt.
Received Emmy for “I Stand Guardians of the Water” directed by Kyle Kauwika Harris, former Public Relations Director for Delaware Nation on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
March 29 – April 1, 2021, Delaware Nation co-hosted the 2021 first virtual Bridge a Gap Meeting which had the largest registration to date.
Lenape Police Officer, Rodney Scott, was sworn in with BIA and Delaware Nation Court and was cross-deputized with BIA in May 2021.
The opening of Delaware Nation’s Early Childhood Learning Center, May 17, 2021.
Lenape Gardens, a Local Foods, Local Places project development.
Throughout FY 2021, Delaware Nation Staff collaborated with Farmers to Family to distribute food boxes to our tribal citizens and the community to alleviate the financial burden during the pandemic.
Delaware Nation Donates To Local 5K Fun Run/1-Mile Walk Event Saturday, October 23, 2021.
The President & Cultural Preservation Director Attend Peace Circle Dedication to witness the presentation of Delaware Chief Roasting Ear Statue On Saturday, September 18, 2021, in Grapevine, TX.
The President Receives Warrior’s Award for lifetime achievement as a Champion in the cause of Oklahoma Indian Gaming at OIGA Conference August 16-18, 2021.
Responsible for CARES Funding distribution to tribal citizens.
For these reasons, President Deborah Dotson is spotlighted as one of Delaware Nation’s women leaders. Each success strengthens sovereignty as a Nation and builds momentum to continue moving the Nation forward.