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OCTOBER 13, 2000

A land reform bill endorsed by the Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma has been introduced in both houses of Congress.

The bill affects land allotted to members of the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole Nations. The leaders of the tribes say the sale and probate of restricted land in eastern Oklahoma has led to the loss of land to non-Indians over the past 100 years.

Because owners of the Indian land in Oklahoma are not protected by the same provisions offered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to other Indians, the tribes say land management has been difficult. Individual land owners must hire their own lawyers and go through a complex court process.

Cherokee Nation Chief Chad Smith praised the new legislation. Like the other tribes, the Chrokee Nation wants restricted land of its members to be given the same protections available elsewhere.

"It would be the most significant legislation passed for the Five Tribes in over 50 years," said Smith. "It would mark the end of 100 years of federal policy that operated to separate members of the Five Tribes from their land."

Senator Jim Inhofe introduced the bill, S.3182, on Tuesday. Representative Wes Watkins introduced a companion bill in the House.

Relevant Links:
The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma - www.cherokee.org