The Cherokee Nation's top court will start a trial this week to determine whether tribal citizens can vote to oust the Freedmen, the descendants of African slaves.

The Freedmen were made part of the tribe after the Civil War and their ancestors appear on the Dawes Roll. Under the Cherokee constitution, that means they are entitled to citizenship.

But Chief Chad Smith has called for an election on a referendum to oust the Freedmen unless they can show they have Indian blood. The election would take place in February 2007.

Get the Story:
Freedmen tribal trial scheduled (The Oklahoman 11/17)
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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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