Oka Con ’25 Doubles Attendance, Strengthens Partnerships for Oklahoma’s Water Future

The Value of Water Panel during the first day of Oka Con'25.

The Oka’ Institute at East Central University hosted its largest-ever water sustainability conference, Oka Con ’25: The John & Kay Hargrave Water Sustainability Conference, October 21–22 in Ada. More than 600 attendees participated—double the original goal of 300—making this the most successful Oka Con to date. 

This year’s theme, Honoring the Past, Innovating the Future, brought together tribal nations, community leaders, state legislators, scientists, students, and practitioners to discuss water planning, infrastructure, and conservation. 

Leadership on Display 

The conference opened at ECU’s Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center with welcomes from ECU President Wendell Godwin, Ada City Manager Tommy Eaton, and ECU Foundation President John Hargrave. Keynotes included Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, who shared the tribe’s enduring commitment to stewardship and resilience, and Oka’ Institute Executive Director Duane Smith, who highlighted Oka’s role in turning vision into measurable value. 

Additional sessions featured Chickasaw Nation’s Kristopher Patton on partnerships for stewardship, and Choctaw Nation’s Tye Baker on conservation leadership. 

Day One Highlights 

• The Value of Water Panel: Moderated by Duane Smith, featuring Karl Nail (Mayor of Newcastle), Newakis Weber (Chickasaw Nation), Angie Stout (Ada Assistant City Manager), George Russell (ODEQ), and Ahndria Ablett (Choctaw Nation). 

• Networking Luncheon: With Continuing Legal Education presentations from Dr. Christine Pappas (ECU), Emily Eleftherakis (OCU School of Law), Judge Greg Bigler (Euchee Tribe), Jacintha Webster (ECU), and Katosha Naki (Choctaw Nation). 

• Soil Health & Restoration: Presentations on soil health economics, the JET Tool, and conservation projects with Duane Smith, Trey Lam, and Kris Patton. 

• Policy in Motion Panel: Legislative insights from Representatives Tammy Townley, Ronny Johns, Jim Grego, and Mike Dobrinski.  

• Evening Events: Legislative reception, immersive dinner, and entertainment by magician-comedian Mike Bliss. 

  
  

Day Two Highlights 

The second day focused on community engagement and science: 

• Community presentations from Wayne, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Rural Water District #17 (LeFlore County), and others. 

• Scientific insights on the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer by Dr. Todd Halihan (OSU). 

• Field Experience Workshop led by Cole Fagen (Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture). 

  
  

Field Trip to Byrds Mill Springs 

The conference concluded with a hands-on field trip to Byrds Mill Springs, where attendees observed how land management practices influence water quality through rainfall simulators and prescribed burn demonstrations. 

A Lasting Impact 

With 600 participants filling Ada hotels, dining locally, and supporting the community, the event delivered significant economic benefits while positioning Ada and ECU as regional leaders in water research. 

“Oka Con ’25 showed that when tribes, state leaders, communities, and universities come together, we can build sustainable and resilient futures,” said Duane Smith, Executive Director of the Oka’ Institute. 

Plans are already underway for Oka Con ’26, with expanded student involvement, stronger community outreach, and a continued focus on applied research.

For more information, visit www.okainstitute.org.