By: RT   Oklahoma – The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma has filed a lawsuit in a tribal court accusing multiple oil companies of triggering earthquakes that caused damage to several properties in town.

On Friday, the Pawnee Nation filed the suit against the oil companies alleging that they were the cause of the sharp increase in earthquakes over the past few years. One of which – the largest earthquake in the state's history, a magnitude 5.8, which caused extensive damage to several historic buildings and residential homes in Pawnee in September.

"For more than 90 years, these buildings have been a key part of Pawnee Nation, first as our schools and now as the home to our government," Andrew Knife Chief, executive director of the Pawnee Nation, said, according to his attorneys.

"These energy companies must recognize the direct impact of their actions on the livelihood of our tribe and must put an end to their dangerous activities," he added.

The case will be heard in the tribe's district court with a jury comprised of Pawnee Nation members. If an appeal was filed, the case would be heard by a five-member trial Supreme Court, and their decision would be final.

Once the tribal court rules, it can be taken to a state district court for enforcement.

"We are a sovereign nation and we have the rule of law here," said Knife Chief, according to the Associated Press. "We're using our tribal laws, our tribal processes to hold these guys accountable. The damage was done to the Pawnee Nation and the folks that live on trust land."