"Is it really such an outlandish thing to think that Native American tribes and nations would like their citizens to have Indian blood? Some people think so.

It's very popular these days to have a "Cherokee princess" somewhere back in the family genealogy. Even news anchor Diane Sawyer apparently has one.

Many people claim Cherokee ancestry, and rightly so. But that is a different matter from being able to meet tribal citizenship requirements.

The Cherokee people, in the upcoming special election, will vote on citizen eligibility requirements. And that is the fundamental right of any sovereign nation."

Get the Story:
Chad Smith, Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation: Eligibility voted on (USA Today 12/6)

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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