Facts on Citizenship

The United States government through its courts has held time and again that Indian tribes have the right to determine their own citizenship. Today Cherokee Nation’s citizenry is bound together by having in common at least one documented Indian ancestor, regardless of what other heritage they may have. Cherokee Nation citizenship is based upon family ties, not color.

The Cherokee people have spoken three times on this issue in public, democratic elections, each time voting to identify and define ourselves as an Indian tribe composed of Indian people. U.S. courts have consistently agreed and supported this concept of self-determination. Tribes determine tribal citizenship, not Congress and not treaties. Now Congresswoman Diane Watson of California has proposed legislation (H.R. 2824) based on incorrect information about Cherokee Nation’s citizenship requirements. If passed, it will terminate the Cherokee Nation and may create a precedent that will weaken and destroy the recognized rights of other tribal nations in the U.S.  Congress should let the courts decide the Freedmen case against the Cherokee Nation, and oppose H.R. 2824.

You can help. Learn the facts.