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Cherokee Freedmen to challenge removal
Tuesday, October 10, 2006

The Cherokee Freedmen say attempts to remove them from the Cherokee Nation are based in racism.

The Freedmen are descendants of African slaves whose ancestors were placed on the Dawes Roll after the Civil War. They are considered Cherokee citizens under the Cherokee constitution.

But they will be denied citizenship if voters approve a constitutional referendum that ties membership to Indian blood. Cherokee Chief Chad Smith called a special election for February 10, 2007.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has raised concerns about the denial of rights to the Freedmen. But Smith says the tribe doesn't need the BIA's approval to change its citizenship criteria.

Get the Story:
Cherokee freedmen to challenge special election (AP 10/10)
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Cason Letter:
Cherokee Nation Constitution (August 30, 2006)

Cherokee Nation Judicial Appeals Tribunal Decision in Freedmen Case:
Allen v. Cherokee Nation (March 7, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Freedmen Of The Five Civilized Tribes - http://www.freedmen5tribes.com
Freedmen Conference - http://www.freedmenconference.com

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