An election to deny tribal citizenship to the Cherokee Freedmen has been delayed a third time.

Last March, the tribe's top court said the Freedmen were entitled to citizenzhip under the Cherokee constitution. But Chief Chad Smith and others believe membership should be restricted to those with Indian blood.

After receiving a petition to change the constitution, Smith scheduled a special election. But it was delayed twice amid a legal challenge filed by a Freedmen descendant.

The challenge has since been resolved by the Cherokee Supreme Court in Smith's favor. He set the election for March 3 [Cherokee Nation News Release].

Get the Story:
Cherokee Chief delays election to March 3 (AP 1/2)

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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