Okla. Stat. tit. 10, § 10-40.1: Purpose - Policy of state

The purpose of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act is the

clarification of state policies and procedures regarding the

implementation by the State of Oklahoma of the federal Indian Child

Welfare Act, P.L. 95-608. It shall be the policy of the state to

recognize that Indian tribes and nations have a valid governmental

interest in Indian children regardless of whether or not said

children are in the physical or legal custody of an Indian parent or

Indian custodian at the time state proceedings are initiated. It

shall be the policy of the state to cooperate fully with Indian

tribes in Oklahoma in order to ensure that the intent and provisions

of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act are enforced.