Freedmen vs Cherokee Nation

Freedmen suit challenge sent to D.C. A federal judge in Tulsa says the Cherokees' action is similar to a case pending there. By CLIFTON ADCOCK World Staff Writer Published: 7/7/2010 2:23 AM Last Modified: 7/7/2010 8:04 AM http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11& articleid =20100707_11_A13_ Afeder 470460 A federal lawsuit filed in Tulsa by the Cherokee Nation seeking a declaration that the descendants of freedmen are not entitled to membership in the tribe has been ordered transferred to Washington, D.C., where a similar lawsuit is pending against tribal leaders and the federal government. The Cherokee Nation filed its suit last year against the U.S. Department of the Interior and five descendants of freedmen — former slaves that had been owned by tribal members. The freedmens ' descendants had obtained tribal membership before Cherokees voted in 2007 to restrict Cherokee citizenship by excluding people whose ancestors were not listed on the Dawes Rolls as ...

Tennessee Indian status dispute has tribes at odds Clarksville leader defends move BY BRIAN EASON • THE LEAF-CHRONICLE • July 6, 2010 http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20100706/NEWS01/7060312 A dispute over tribal recognition has some American Indians in Tennessee at odds with a well-established tribe in another state. And a state American Indian caucus chaired by a Clarksvillian has positioned itself right in the middle of it. The Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs officially recognized six new tribes last month, a move that will make them eligible for federal funding and minority status. Jim Cossingham, a retired business consultant who now lives in Clarksville, praised the decision, noting the new opportunities it will provide local tribe members. Cossingham, a member of the Nipmuc Tribe of Massachusetts, said he's worked with American Indian tribes for years, helping them apply for federal funding. The scarcity of that funding appears to be at the heart of opposition ...

Newcomb: ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson’ By Steven Newcomb Story Published: Jul 6, 2010 http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/97661764.html While in New York recently for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, I was invited by an American Indian friend to see the off-Broadway production “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” at the Public Theatre. Written by Alex Timbers and Michael Friedman, and directed by Timbers, the play is being described as “an irreverent Wild West rock musical” that “redefines America’s seventh president, a pioneer of humble stock who invented the Democratic Party, moved Indians west, and played a kick-ass guitar.” The reviews have been quite positive and the play ran through the end of June. >From an American Indian perspective, however, “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” is a racist and dehumanizing portrayal of American Indians. It is an effort to be humorous by using and reinforcing the worst stereotypes of American Indians, and working them to ...

Daughters Read Wilma Mankiller's Final Message KOTV-TV - Online 04/11/2010 Sunday, April 11, 2010 1:04 PM EST Updated: Sunday, April 11, 2010 1:15 PM EST Wilma Mankiller died at age 64 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Wilma Mankiller's daughters Felicia and Gina Olaya speak at their mother's funeral Saturday. TAHLEQUAH, OK -- Former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller wrote a message four days before her death that was delivered at her memorial service by her daughter, Felicia Olaya. I think what helped my family and friends is to see that even though I don't feel well, my mind is peaceful. I know that many people around here believe in burial. I've decided that what I want is to be cremated and to have my ashes be part of the land around the spring at Mankiller Flats where I grew up, the place I love and that will always be. But I would like them to bury something after today. I would like them to bury any unkindness or anger or hurtful things I may have done. Bu...

Actually any wild animal, is just that, a wild animal. The incident in Orlando brings to mind the Snow Leopard in Vegas that attacked his trainer. I don't agree with animal rights folks on all things...but commericalization of *trained wild animals* is an oxymoron. Wild animals never lose their wild traits, it's just that simple. Anyone who watches and trains these animals that doesn't know that, ought not be dealing with them. Oh, all he did was grab her ponytail...well, duh, that's all it took...do we excuse a human for killing another on a Twinkies defense, NO! They are dumb animals and can't tell the difference between a ponytail and an arm or a leg. Not to mention this same whale was involved in two other deaths...which no one apparently saw...so whose to say, the whale didn't grab an arm or leg the last two times. Dogs that kill are put down...these wild exotic animals should be put down as well. To protect them for money purposes is not in any ones inter...

Did I see surveyor flags between Nowata and Talala, laying out another lane on 169??? I did, I did, I did!!!! They are extending at least part of U.S. 169 from Talala on up almost to Nowata to a 4 lane highway! It's about time! Nowata has laid dormant long enough! In this part of the woods or hills, those 4 lane highways help towns prosper!! Work where you must, but LIVE in Nowata....:)

I'm inclined to think this will give us a more *representative government* - why would you need a lobbyist if you could contribute to a campaign? Those with the *most money or connections* have always had a voice in DC; this would allow tribes to contribute directly to their *own* candidates of *choice*. As in the Freedmen vs Cherokee case; a contribution to a challenger in Watson's own district seems to have done more good than all the lobbyists in DC. DC has just beome a great big club, Tribes not Welcome! This could very well change that! Campaign finance ruling impacts tribes By Rob Capriccioso Story Published: Feb 4, 2010 http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/83031602.html WASHINGTON – Many tribes already have trouble getting their voices heard in the American political system. A controversial Supreme Court campaign finance ruling may amplify the problem, according to political observers. The ruling, handed down Jan. 21, throws out some major campaign finance ru...