Tennessee Civil Rights News

Rep. Watson & Black Caucus Members Register Outrage Over Blatant Discrimination By Cherokee Nation

Congresswoman Diane E. Watson and 25 members of the Congressional Black Caucus have sent a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs protesting the recent vote by the Cherokee Nation to revoke the tribal citizenship of an estimated 2,800 black Cherokee descendants.

“On Saturday, March 3, a very small minority of the Cherokee Nation voted to disenfranchise their tribal members who have African ancestry in violation of established treaty rights,” said Congresswoman Watson. “This is blatant discrimination of the worst kind.”

“I and my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus question the validity, legality, as well as the morality of the Cherokee Nation’s vote. The black descendant Cherokees can trace their Native American heritage back in many cases for more than a century.  They are legally a part of the Cherokee Nation through history, precedent, blood, and treaty obligations.”

“In fiscal year 2006, the House Appropriations Committee estimates that The United States Government spent $12.6 billion a year on programs in support of Native Americans. The Cherokee Nation is one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S. and its members obviously receive a significant share of federal funds.” Read more at house.gov.

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