Members of the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma say their federal recognition isn't worth a deal with the Cherokee Nation.

Annette Ketchum, the secretary of the tribe's elder committee, said the Delawares will be devastated if they accept a recognition bill that puts them at the will of the Cherokees. Delaware chief Dee Ketchum said the tribe rejected a similar deal 25 years ago.

The Delaware Tribe was made part of the Cherokee Nation by treaty. The Bureau of Indian Affairs recognized the Delawares as a separate entity but the Cherokees filed a lawsuit.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed that the BIA acted in violation of the treaty. The Delawares were then taken off the list of federally recognized tribes.

Get the Story:
Delawares voice opposition to Cherokee deal (The Native American Times 9/13)

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

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