Chad Smith: Cherokee Nation exercises sovereignty

Friday, June 15, 2007  

"“The Shame of the Cherokee Nation” said the Cherokee Nation “voted to expel black members” in amending its constitution. The amendment had nothing to do with skin color. Instead, the nation exercised its sovereignty to determine that only those with Indian ancestry can be Cherokee citizens.

In fact, there are thousands of Cherokees of African heritage (including 1,500 who are also descendants of former slaves) who are nation citizens because they have ancestors listed on our people’s base roll. All will remain citizens and are unaffected by the amendment. "

Get the Story:
Chad Smith: Cherokees and Blacks (The New York Times 6/15)
pwnyt

BIA Letters:
May 21, 2007 | March 28, 2007 | August 30, 2006

Sovereign Immunity Court Decision:
Vann v. Kempthorne (December 19, 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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