The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation are both claiming victory in a lawsuit over federal housing funds.

The UKBs sued the Department of Housing and Urban Development after losing a substantial amount of money under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. The Cherokees claimed sole authority to receive Indian Housing Block Grant funds.

In a 2-1 decision, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals did not dispute the Cherokees jurisdiction. But the majority said the UKBs are entitled to federal funds because HUD did not implement NAHASDA properly.

"We are delighted that the court reached a decision that will benefit all landless tribes throughout the United States," UKB Chief George Wickliffe said, The Tulsa World reported.

The Cherokees saw it differently. "UKBCIO has no land base, no treaty rights and no court jurisdiction, and the court ruled that the formula HUD used to exclude UKBCIO from receiving need-based funding was faulty," attorney general Diane Hammons said in a press release.

Get the Story:
Keetoowahs win round in housing dispute (The Tulsa World 6/9)
Keetoowahs win HUD appeal (The Tahlequah Daily Press 6/9)

Related Stories:
10th Circuit backs UKB in housing fund dispute (6/8)