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Thursday, August 28, 2003

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma has ordered four former council members to repay the tribe for legal fees they incurred challenging the recent tribal election, The Fort Smith Times-Record reports

According to the tribe, the ex-officials used $10,447 to pay a legal firm. One former official said she won't pay back the money because she believes principal chief Chad Smith is retaliating against her.

The election is being disputed because the Freedmen, descendants of African slaves who were made members of the tribe by a post-Civil War treaty, were not allowed to vote.

Get the Story:
Ex-Cherokee Council Members Ordered To Pay Back Legal Funds (The Fort Smith Times-Record 8/27)

Relevant Links:
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org

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Cherokee Nation Freedmen seek rights (8/20)
Cherokee Nation chief sworn in for another term (8/15)
Cherokee Freedmen sue BIA for disenfranchisement (8/12)
Court tackles Seminole dispute (9/24)
The Seminole Nation's hanging chad (8/8)
Resolution of Seminole dispute sought in court (5/28)
Court decision rocks Seminole Nation (5/8)

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