Delaware Tribe acquires property in bid to 'Return to Kansas'

Wednesday, July 24, 2013  

The Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma has acquired land in Kansas in an effort to re-establish a land base there.

The tribe had a reservation in Kansas until being forced to move to Oklahoma. As part of its "Return to Kansas" effort, the tribe acquired land near Lawrence for housing, health, social service and other purposes.

The Delawares lost their federal recognition under litigation filed by the Cherokee Nation. Federal status was restored in 2009 but tribal leaders say they can't do much in Oklahoma without first getting approval from the much-larger Cherokee Nation.

"Having a jurisdictional area in Kansas will allow the Delaware Tribe to provide services such as housing, health, education, economic development, jobs and more," Secretary Verna Crawford said in the tribe's July 2013 newsletter.

Get the Story:
Indian tribe that once proposed North Lawrence casino purchases large tract along interstate (The Lawrence Journal-World 7/24)

Delaware Tribe looking to relocate headquarters to Kansas (03/25)