Law

Cherokee Nation considers anti-Freedmen funds

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is preparing to spend $520,000 to fight legal challenges by the Freedmen, the descendants of former slaves.

The tribal council's Executive and Finance Committee approved the money for any lawsuits related to the Freedmen. The full council is expected to vote on the funds in May.

The overwhelming majority of tribal members voted March 3 to amend the constitution to deny citizenship to the Freedmen. The move came after the tribe's highest court said the Freedmen were entitled to membership because their ancestors appeared on the Dawes Roll.

The new constitution requires a connection to the Dawes Roll but also requires a person to have documented Cherokee, Shawnee or Delaware blood.

Get the Story:
Tribal committee to defend vote (The Oklahoman 4/18)
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Sovereign Immunity Court Decision:
Vann v. Kempthorne (December 19, 2006)

Jim 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:
Cherokee Nation - http://www.cherokee.org
Freedmen Of The Five Civilized Tribes - http://www.freedmen5tribes.com
Freedmen Conference - http://www.freedmenconference.com

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