Cherokees in California want to be part of community

Tuesday, January 16, 2007  

The approximately 3,500 Cherokees who live in southern California are trying to renew their ties to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma.

Four Cherokee groups have recently been formed. Cherokee Chief Chad Smith spoke to them on a visit to southern California last week.

Smith said the creation of the groups is part of an effort to link Cherokee communities nationwide. With over 200,000 citizens, the Cherokee Nation is the second largest tribe in the U.S.

Going by those who claim Cherokee ancestry but aren't necessarily enrolled, the Cherokees are the largest tribal group in the nation.

Get the Story:
I.E.'s Cherokees gather in search of a community (The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin 1/16)

Court Decision:
Vann v. Kempthorne (December 19, 2006)

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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