A copy of the complaint filed in federal court.

Three groups in Tennessee filed a civil rights lawsuit against the state on Tuesday, seeking more than $60 million in damages over their disputed status.

The Remnant Yuchi Nation, the Tanasi Tribe and the United Eastern Lenape Tribe gained state recognition through the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs in June 2010. The process was challenged in a lawsuit filed by a lobbyist of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the decision was revoked later that year.

The commission no longer functions as an agency so there is no way of securing state recognition other than going through the Legislature. But attempts to resolve the dispute have repeatedly failed so the three groups are seeking to be compensated.

"The Remnant Yuchi Nation, Tanasi Tribe, and United Eastern Lanape Tribe are historical tribes with a continuous lines of governance for more than one hundred (100) years in the State of Tennessee," the complaint, a copy of which was posted by Turtle Talk, states. "Each has a history of peaceful co-existence. They have endeavored over the years to utilize diplomacy to stand up for their rights and their existence. They have exhausted a great deal of time, energy, expense, and worry for future generations."

"Plaintiffs, and their members, have suffered damages as a result of defendant's acts and omissions and violations of the above-referenced code," it continues. "Plaintiffs, and their members, have lost their status as legal, identifiable minorities, and the protections afforded therefrom, as a result of defendants acts and omissions."

The groups, along with others in Tennessee, have claimed Yuchi, Cherokee, Lenape and other tribal ties. Most of their claims remain in dispute.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court.

Get the Story:
Tribes Sue Tenn. AG Over State Recognition (Law360 5/13)

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