The Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma hopes a bill introduced in Congress last week will lead to a restoration of its federal status.

The tribe lost its recognition through litigation filed by the Cherokee Nation. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Bureau of Indian Affairs went against a treaty that made the Delawares a part of the Cherokee Nation.

The two tribes worked together on H.R. 6786, sponsored by Rep. John Sullivan (R-Oklahoma). The bill addresses a Delaware judgment fund and both tribes say it will help the Delawares regain its separate status.

Get the Story:
Sullivan introduces bill to reestablish federal recognition of Delaware Tribe (The Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise 8/5)

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)

Related Stories:
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)
Delaware tribal status dispute continues (08/01)
Okla. tribe seeks Cherokee independence (7/31)
Clinton signs a final Indian bill (12/29)