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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2002

Are the Freedmen, descendants of African slaves, members of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma? The Associated Press tries to find out in a two-part series.

Certain Freedmen who could not document at least one-eighth Seminole Indian blood were taken off the tribal rolls in 2000. A subsequent election excluded their participation.

The Freedmen say they have always been part of the tribe. Other tribal members say the Black Seminoles don't take part in Seminole cultural traditions and don't speak the language.

Get the Story:
Tribal Members Were `Like Brothers and Sisters' Until Race and Money Split Them (AP 9/22)
Race, money split tribe [shorter version] (AP 9/22)

Relevant Links:
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma - http://www.cowboy.net/native/seminole

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