Cherokees Oust Slave Descendants
The Cherokee nation has voted against recognizing the descendants of former slaves, despite a tribal supreme court ruling to the contrary last year. Of the estimated 250,000 to 270,000 members, 8,700 took part in the election. Defenders of the decision say they have a right to determine the nation's makeup without interference from the U.S. government or others.The Cherokee nation has voted against recognizing the descendants of former slaves, despite a tribal supreme court ruling to the contrary last year. Of the estimated 250,000 to 270,000 members, 8,700 took part in the election. Defenders of the decision say they have a right to determine the nation’s makeup without interference from the U.S. government or others.
WAIT BEFORE YOU GO...BBC:
The list of descendants stems from the Dawes Commission, established by Congress more than 100 years ago.
It created two lists – one of “blood” Cherokees and one of black freedmen.
Principal Chief Chad Smith said about 8,700 people had voted – more than the turnout for the Cherokee constitution vote of four years ago.
He said: “The Cherokee people exercised the most basic democratic right, the right to vote.
“Their voice is clear as to who should be citizens of the Cherokee Nation. No-one else has the right to make that determination.”
But opponents of the amendment levelled accusations of discrimination.
This year, the ground feels uncertain — facts are buried and those in power are working to keep them hidden. Now more than ever, independent journalism must go beneath the surface.
At Truthdig, we don’t just report what's happening — we investigate how and why. We follow the threads others leave behind and uncover the forces shaping our future.
Your tax-deductible donation fuels journalism that asks harder questions and digs where others won’t.
Don’t settle for surface-level coverage.
Unearth what matters. Help dig deeper.
Donate now.
Editorial Cartoons
Women
Victories show widespread support for abortion protections, even in red states.
News
The results hinge on a handful of states and races.
Opinion
Vote, then ask yourself: Do you want left-wing votes enough that you're willing to listen and try to persuade to get them?
Opinion
As the warring ruling classes seem to push for nuclear brinkmanship, let us not be distracted on this election night.
Americas
The right-wing opposition has refused to recognize the results while the U.S. government has called for a recount.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.