Three years after losing federal recognition, the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma has been removed from another list.
The tribe is no longer listed by the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, The Tulsa World reported. The Euchee Tribe was also removed, leaving only 37 federally recognized tribes on the list.
The Delawares lost their recognition as a result of litigation by the much-larger Cherokee Nation.
The Cherokees say the Delawares can't be a separate tribe due to an 866 treaty.
The Delawares maintain their own language and cultural identity. "No matter what the government says, I'll always be Delaware," elder Evelyn Kay Anderson tells the World.
The Delaware Tribe and the Cherokee Nation have discussed ways to put the Delawares back on the list of federally recognized. Proposed legislation would give the Cherokees virtual authority over federal funding, land-into-trust and other matters.
Get the Story:Delaware still seeking official status (The Tulsa World 1/13) 10th Circuit Decision:
Cherokee Nation v. Norton (November 16, 2004) Lower Court Decision:
Cherokee Nation v. DOI (7/23) Relevant Documents:
Federal Register Notice/Ada Deer Announcement (September 1996) Relevant Links:
Delaware Tribe of Indians - http://www.delawaretribeofindians.nsn.us
Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission - http://www.ok.gov/oiac Related Stories:
Delaware elders oppose Cherokee deal (8/23)
Delaware Tribe partners with city on development (01/31)
Delaware Tribe eyes commercial development (01/04)
Delaware chief cites 'mandate' for recognition (11/10)
Delaware Tribe elects Jerry Douglas for full term (11/9)
Delaware Tribe elects pro-recognition chief (11/6)
Delaware chief backs Cherokee recognition deal (10/12)
Opinion: Oppose Delaware-Cherokee 'recognition' (10/11)
Delaware candidates debate recognition legislation (10/5)
Delaware members oppose deal with Cherokee Nation (09/14)
Delaware elders to discuss federal recognition bill (9/12)
Former Delaware leaders question Cherokee deal (08/29)
Delaware Tribe hopes for recognition in a year (08/16)
Delaware Tribe agrees to Cherokee Nation authority (7/28)
Delaware Tribe to auction historic headquarters (06/27)
New Delaware chief seeks deal with Cherokee Nation (02/03)
New Delaware chairman makes recognition a priority (1/26)
Delaware Tribe continues fight to regain recognition (1/18)
Delaware Tribe closes up after losing recognition (12/12)
Loss of Delaware recognition prompts recall of chief (11/09)
Supreme Court refuses Delaware Tribe's case (10/04)
Delaware Tribe kicked off federally recognized list (03/22)
Delaware Tribe loses separate federal status (11/17)
'Fight the Cherokee Nation until hell freezes over' (11/17)
Oklahoma tribes lead pack in out-of-state land claims (08/16)
Delaware Tribe wants out-of-state land for casino (10/19)
Delaware Tribe seeks land in Kansas for gaming (04/23)
Delaware tribal ties to Penn. uncontested (05/20)
Delaware ancestor was granted 315 acres in Penn. (5/16)
Delaware tribal status dispute continues (08/01)
Okla. tribe seeks Cherokee independence (7/31)
Clinton signs a final Indian bill (12/29)
