The Cherokee Nation is weighing its options in a lawsuit involving the state of Oklahoma and the poultry industry, Chef Chad Smith said.

The tribe could intervene in the case, which was filed by state attorney general Drew Edmondson in federal court. Edmondson claims poultry companies are polluting waters in Oklahoma.

But Tyson Foods Inc. and other companies say the suit can't proceed without the tribe's involvement. The industry says the tribe is the owner of the Illinois River and can't be joined in the case due to its sovereign immunity.

“We will be making a decision in the coming weeks as to whether we should become involved in this issue," Smith said in his state of the nation address, The Tahlequah Daily Press reported.

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Cherokees mull water rights issue (The Tahlequah Daily Press 12/16)

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