Seminole changes sought again

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2002

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is once again seeking to make changes to its constitution but has delayed a vote until March 23.

Voters in 2000 approved a constitution that redefined tribal membership. The provision had the effect of eliminating future descendants of the Seminole Freedmen who did not have Seminole Indian blood.

The Freedmen are descendants of African slaves who were made members of the tribe by a post-Civil War treaty. While some intermarried, they are a minority within the tribe.

Former Assistant Secretary Kevin Gover rejected the change in fall 2000 and the Bureau of Indian Affairs refused to recognize a new set of tribal leaders. The role of the agency in future changes is being limited by the constitution that will see a vote in March.

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Seminoles delay constitution vote (The Daily Oklahoman 1/16)