YDO Expands Representation for Oklahoma’s 39 Tribal Nations

Oklahoma City, OK - April 29th, 2026 - The Young Democrats of Oklahoma (YDO) are proud to announce the formation of the Indigenous Caucus, a landmark initiative dedicated to uplifting Indigenous leadership, advancing equity, and ensuring meaningful representation within the state’s political landscape.

As home to 39 tribal nations, Oklahoma holds one of the largest Indigenous populations in the country. The creation of this caucus reflects YDO’s commitment to an inclusive organization that honors the sovereignty, history, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities.

“Delanie Seals has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Indigenous Caucus,” stated Daren Quiñonez, YDO’s Vice President. “Through her leadership, the caucus will focus on building power, fostering collaboration, and expanding opportunities for Indigenous voices. This effort represents a continued investment in ensuring all voices are heard, valued, and empowered.”

Delanie Seals, a member of the Chickasaw Nation who also chairs the national Young Democrats of America Indigenous Caucus, will lead the new state chapter. For Seals, this launch is both a political milestone and a personal one. 

“I was born and raised in Ada, Oklahoma on Chickasaw Territory, so establishing the first caucus here is super special to me," said Seals. “Our political history is deeply intertwined with Tribes, even almost becoming the State of Sequoyah before Oklahoma statehood in 1907. This history is what inspires me to continue advocating for all Tribal Nations, regardless of federal recognition and especially including our Freedmen Relatives. We, as the YDO Indigenous Caucus, aim to empower other young Native folks to become more politically involved in all forms of government and to continue building up the foundation our ancestors have laid for us. Yakoke!"

The Indigenous Caucus will serve as a space for advocacy, leadership development, connecting Indigenous youth across Oklahoma to increase civic participation on issues directly impacting their communities.

For more information or to get involved, contact delanieseals@gmail.com or follow @ydoindigenouscaucus, or connect with statewide programming by following @yd.oklahoma.

Source: Richard Mize, “Sequoyah Convention,” The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=SE021.