Editorial: Cherokee Nation like an all-male country club

"The Cherokee decision in March to restrict membership to Indians ran into a firestorm of criticism from the politically correct crowd — not unlike some Indians have done to institutions that gave their sports teams names like "Savages” and "Warriors.” The Cherokee base in Tahlequah is near a state university whose teams were formerly known as "Redmen.”

The Bureau of Indian Affairs says it has no intention of cutting off funds to Cherokees, but this story is far from over. For the second time, tribal members have voted to take the feds out of the tribe's constitutional approval process. The BIA rejected results of the first vote because the now excluded Freedmen were disenfranchised.

Voting shows overwhelming support among Cherokees for the recent proposals, but legal challenges keep the matter in limbo. In general, we think any group has a right to establish membership standards. This would include, for example, an all-male country club."

Get the Story:
Color commentary: Can Cherokees outlast opponents? (The Oklahoman 6/30)
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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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