The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma hosted a forum on Indian identity during The State of Sequoyah Commission on Friday.

Chief Chad Smith talked about the controversy over citizenship of the Freedmen, who are the descendants of former slaves held by the tribe. He said Congress should not interfere because the matter is being heard in the federal courts.

Other speakers talked about the numerous non-recognized groups that claim to be Cherokee. They said these groups do not have any legitimate tribal heritage.

“We would like to make impersonation of a tribe, or a tribal citizen, a felony,” said tribal councilor Cara Cowan Watts, The Tahlequah Daily Press reported.

Get the Story:
Indian identity remains in question (The Tahlequah Daily Press 9/2)

Recent D.C. Circuit Decision:
Vann v. Kempthorne (July 29, 2008)

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