Commissioners in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, are refusing to pull their support for the United Keetoowah Band despite a threat from the Cherokee Nation.

On May 16, the commissioners passed a resolution in favor of the UKB's land-into-trust application. The action brought a rebuke from the Cherokee Nation, whose general counsel called it "a direct attack" on the Cherokees and reminded the county that the Cherokees are a major economic player.

"In my mind, what they were saying was, 'If you don't help us out this time, we won't be helping you out anymore.' To me, that's wrong," UKB attorney general Dianne Barker Harrold told The Oklahoman.

The UKBs want 76 acres placed in trust. The Cherokee Nation says it has veto authority over the request.

Get the Story:
Commissioners continue to back Keetoowah Band (The Oklahoman 5/26)
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Relevant Links:
United Keetoowah Band - http://unitedkeetoowahband.org
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org

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Keetoowah Band survives despite CNO opposition (03/15)