A Freedmen descendant sued the Cherokee Nation in tribal court on Thursday in hopes of stopping an election that would kick the Freedmen out of the tribe.

Vicki Davis is protesting an election called by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. Smith and others within the tribe want to restrict citizenship to those who can prove they have "Indian" blood.

Currently, citizenship is open to any Cherokee, Delaware, Shawnee or Freedmen whose ancestors appear on the Dawes Roll. There is no "Indian" blood requirement or blood quantum limit.

Get the Story:
Membership vote protested (The Oklahoman 11/3)
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Cason Letter:
Cherokee Nation Constitution (August 30, 2006)

Cherokee Nation Judicial Appeals Tribunal Decision in Freedmen Case:
Allen v. Cherokee Nation (March 7, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Freedmen Of The Five Civilized Tribes - http://www.freedmen5tribes.com
Freedmen Conference - http://www.freedmenconference.com

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