NCAI backs Cherokee Nation in funding fight

The National Congress of American Indians is asking tribes to oppose legislation that would cut federal funds to the Cherokee Nation.

Rep. Diane Watson (D-California) is sponsoring H.R.2824. She says the tribe must reinstate the Freedmen, who are the descendants are former slaves, if it wants to receive federal funds.

About $300 million from the Interior Department and the Health and Human Services Department is at stake. The tribe says it is being punished for exercising its right to determine who is a citizen.

Get the Story:
Principal Chief Chad Smith Rallies Support among Tribal Leaders to Oppose Congressional Interference in Litigation over Freedmen (The Native American Times 11/14)

Cherokee-Related Legislation:
H.R.2786 | H.R.2895 | H.R.2824 | H.R.3002

BIA Letters:
August 9, 2007 | July 11, 2007 | June 22, 2007 | 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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