Leaders of the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma say they are willing to negotiate with the Cherokee Nation in order to regain federal recognition.

The Delawares lost their federal status after the Cherokee Nation challenged it in court. The Delawares were removed from the list of federally recognized entities and lost $7 million in annual funds. All the tribal offices have been closed and other programs are shutting down.

The Delawares were made part of the Cherokee Nation after the Civil War. But they say they have always maintained a separate identity and government and want to meet with the Cherokees to discuss gaining separate recognition.

The Cherokee Nation offered to support recognition of the Delawares if they agreed not to assert jurisdiction in the Cherokee's 14-county jurisdictional area, a lawyer said. A similar agreement was made with the Shawnee Tribe, who gained separate recognition through an act of Congress.

Get the Story:
Delaware Tribe closes its offices after loss in court (The Oklahoman 12/11)
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10th Circuit 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:
Loss of Delaware recognition prompts recall of chief (11/09)
Supreme Court refuses Delaware Tribe's case (10/04)
Delaware Tribe kicked off federally recognized list (03/22)
Delaware Tribe loses separate federal status (11/17)
'Fight the Cherokee Nation until hell freezes over' (11/17)
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)