Number: RL34321
Title: The Cherokee Freedmen Dispute: Legal Background, Analysis, and Proposed Legislation in the 110th Congress
Authors: Yule Kim, American Law Division 
Abstract: Although determination of membership is one of the fundamental powers of an Indian tribe, Congress may define tribal membership for federal purposes. The current Cherokee Nation membership roll dates back to membership lists compiled in 1907 by the Dawes Commission pursuant to congressional direction to allot the lands of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole tribes of Oklahoma. There are at least three bills in the 110th Congress that contain provisions that would withhold specific federal benefits from the Cherokee Nation if the Cherokee Freedmen are not fully recognized as citizens of the Tribe: H.R. 2786, H.R. 2824, and H.R. 3002.
Pages: 11
Date: August 7, 2008