Witnesses Allege Confrontation Between UKB Chief, Councilman During Employee Meeting
Two witnesses allege Chief Jeff Wacoche challenged Councilman Donald Adair to step outside during employee meeting
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — We are investigating allegations of a confrontation between United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma Chief Jeff Wacoche and UKB Councilman Donald Adair during a meeting Monday morning, July 13, with employees affected by recent furloughs.
According to two attendees who requested anonymity because they fear retaliation, the meeting was held to discuss employees whose positions were funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Tribe’s efforts to place furloughed workers into other positions.
Both witnesses said Adair addressed employees and apologized, telling them, “We, as council, have failed you.”
According to both witnesses, Wacoche responded by criticizing Adair, saying, “You’ve been asleep the whole time. How would you know?” before the exchange escalated.
Both witnesses alleged Wacoche then directed profanity toward Adair, challenged him to step outside, and continued the exchange until Lighthorse officers intervened and escorted the Chief from the meeting.
The witnesses said the alleged confrontation occurred in the presence of furloughed employees, tribal directors, and other tribal officials attending the meeting.
One witness said the confrontation interrupted the meeting before employees received the explanation they expected regarding the furloughs. “It was sad,” the witness said. “We were basically getting laid off, and I didn’t get any answers.”
According to one witness, approximately 30 to 31 employees were affected by the furloughs, with about eight employees remaining without reassignment at the time of the meeting. We have not independently verified those figures.
At least one UKB Member has asked their Tribal Council representative to open a formal investigation into the allegations surrounding the July 13 meeting, according to a message reviewed by this publication. The request cites the seriousness of the reported incident involving elected officials and asks for an independent review to establish the facts.
Under Article IX of the UKB Constitution, the Tribal Council prescribes procedures for investigating complaints of misconduct in office. Removal of an officer requires a hearing and a two-thirds vote of the Council.
We are continuing to interview additional attendees who were present during the meeting.
We requested comment from Wacoche at 2:22 p.m. Monday, July 13. Our request asked whether a verbal exchange occurred with Adair, whether profanity was directed at the councilman, whether Wacoche challenged Adair to step outside, whether Lighthorse officers intervened, and whether any official incident report was created. We asked for a response by 5 p.m. CDT Tuesday, July 14, and will update this story with any response received.
We have also been unable to reach Adair for comment.
This is a developing story. The allegations reported above remain unverified. We will continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing records, and updating this story as additional information becomes available.
Eds: Developing story. Allegations unverified. Comment deadline for Chief Jeff Wacoche is 5 p.m. CDT Tuesday, July 14. Will be updated.