Petition to Return Fort Reno to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes

Historical Significance:
Fort Reno, located on land that originally belonged to the Cheyenne and Arapaho people, stands as a symbol of broken promises and displacement. Long before the establishment of the fort, this land was home to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, who lived there in harmony with their environment. The land was guaranteed to the tribes under the Treaty of 1867. However, in 1874, the U.S. government forcibly took the land and established Fort Reno as a military post to monitor and control the tribes, further pushing them off their ancestral territory and into reservations.

The fort’s role in the brutal suppression of Native populations and its occupation of sacred tribal land remain a deep wound for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. For years, the tribes have fought to have this land returned, viewing it as not only a piece of history but also a critical part of their cultural identity and spiritual connection to the land.

Why Fort Reno Is So Important:
For the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Fort Reno is more than just a piece of land. It represents a profound connection to their ancestors, their traditions, and their sovereignty. The return of Fort Reno would allow the tribes to reclaim part of their cultural heritage, reestablish their presence on ancestral lands, and use the land for educational and cultural purposes that benefit future generations. In addition, they tribes want to create a new and innovative way of economic revenue and more jobs for the western part of Oklahoma, and there are so many ideas being floated around but one thing is certain that if the tribes get this land back, they will create a future that benefits all surrounding communities around Fort Reno. 

As Governor Reggie Wassana of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes stated, “Fort Reno is part of our history, our people walked this land long before the fort was ever built. The return of this land isn’t just about ownership—it’s about justice, healing, and restoring what was unjustly taken from us.”

The Fight for Justice:
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have long sought the return of Fort Reno, advocating for justice and the restoration of their land rights. However, recent legislative developments threaten to make this fight even more challenging. Congressman Frank Lucas of Oklahoma has recently introduced legislation that would transfer Fort Reno to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, making it nearly impossible for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes to regain their land.

This bill is a direct threat to tribal sovereignty and the ongoing efforts to right historical wrongs. The tribes are fighting not just for land but for the ability to protect and honor our ancestors. This legislation is a betrayal of the promises made to our people. It seeks to further erase our connection to this land and perpetuate the injustices of the past. 

Our Call to Action:
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes need your support in this critical moment. By signing this petition, you are standing with the tribes in their fight to reclaim Fort Reno and prevent Congressman Lucas’ harmful legislation from moving forward. The return of this land is a matter of justice, healing, and restoring the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Cheyenne and Arapaho people.

We call on lawmakers to reject this bill and work toward the return of Fort Reno to its rightful owners—the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Let us not allow another chapter of displacement and erasure to be written. Stand with us in the fight to restore Fort Reno to the Cheyenne and Arapaho people. Together, we can help heal the wounds of the past and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.