Responding to a court's revocation of his tribe's federal recognition, the chief of the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma said he "will fight the chief of the Cherokee Nation until hell freezes over."

Delaware Chief Joe Brooks told The Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise that the tribe will appeal yesterday's decision from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. "We are a free and independent nation and will remain such," he was quoted as saying.

The Cherokee sued the Interior Department when it recognized the Delawares as a separate tribe. The Cherokee Nation opposes federal status for the Delawares, citing an 1866 treaty and a sale of lands to the Delawares.

Brooks said the Cherokees are motivated by "greed."

Get the Story:
Delaware Tribe Recognition Rejected (The Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise 11/17)

Today on Indianz.Com:
Delaware Tribe loses separate federal status (11/17)

Get the Decision:
Cherokee Nation v. Norton (November 16, 2004)

Lower Court Decision:
Cherokee Nation v. DOI (7/23)

Relevant Documents:
Federal Register Notice/Ada Deer Announcement (September 1996)

Relevant Links:
Delaware Tribe of Indians - http://www.delawaretribeofindians.nsn.us
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org

Related Stories:
Oklahoma tribes lead pack in out-of-state land claims (08/16)
Delaware Tribe wants out-of-state land for casino (10/19)
Delaware Tribe seeks land in Kansas for gaming (04/23)
Delaware tribal ties to Penn. uncontested (05/20)
Delaware ancestor was granted 315 acres in Penn. (5/16)
Delaware tribal status dispute continues (08/01)
Okla. tribe seeks Cherokee independence (7/31)
Clinton signs a final Indian bill (12/29)