Not legitimately Cherokee

[flyaway]

Not legitimately Cherokee


Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 5:36 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 6:36 p.m.
I read with great interest the story by Andy Powell in the June 11 Gadsden Times, "Group seeks recognition as tribe," about the so-called Cherokees of Alabama applying for federal recognition and inquiring about an electronic bingo permit. This group is not affiliated in any way with the real Cherokee Nation or with the two federally recognized Cherokee tribes.
Although the so-called Cherokees of Alabama have been "recognized" by the state of Alabama, state recognition requires no process for documentation as a legal, historic tribal government. State recognition often gives fraudulent tribes undeserved credibility and improper access to funding. It also violates the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Fraudulent groups and individuals passing themselves off as Native Americans have become big business, with more than 200 groups that claim to be some sort of Cherokee tribe. There also are hundreds of individuals who claim to be Cherokee or from the Cherokee Nation and offer services ranging from teaching culture to spiritual advice. The Cherokee Nation does not question anyone's claims of heritage or ancestry, but points out the significant difference between claiming heritage and having citizenship in a federally recognized tribe.
There are only three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, both located in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. No group outside of North Carolina and Oklahoma has been recognized as a legitimate Cherokee sovereign.
The "Eastern Cherokee Nation" and "Western Cherokee Nation," including the "old settlers" and "late immigrants," joined in an Act of Union on July 12, 1839. There were no "lost" Cherokee tribes or splinter groups that hid out or dropped off the Trail of Tears. Those who have Native American ancestry but are not eligible for citizenship in a federally recognized Indian tribe should participate in the culture through heritage groups and associations, not groups that call themselves "tribes" or "nations."
Fake tribes and individuals with unverifiable ties to Native American citizenship often claim to be passing on Cherokee cultural knowledge and traditional arts. But these groups and individuals dilute true Indian culture and identity. Many of them pass along cultural information that is incorrect or that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
When seeking authentic information about tribal culture, history, traditions, genealogy and government, look carefully into claims made by groups that are not recognized by the federal government, especially those that claim to represent the Cherokee Nation or another tribe. The Cherokee Nation is alive and well in Tahlequah Okla., as it has been for 170 years. Cherokee language and culture still thrive there, as well as in North Carolina with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Those looking for knowledge should turn to historic, legitimate Indian tribes. Call the Cherokee Nation at 918-453-5000 or the Bureau of Indian Affairs at 202-513-7650 for a list of legitimate nations, tribes and bands. For more information about the real Cherokee Nation, visit our Web sites at www. cherokee.org and http:// taskforce.cherokee.org.
Chad Smith
Principal chief, Cherokee Nation







 

[flyaway]

While I agree with my above post there is one part I do not. There were many Cherokees who did not go on the Trail of Death. Trying to get the geneology on it is very difficult but can be done with expert researchers. Yes there are way over 200 fake tribes out there, we all know that.

[Paul123]

Well who ever wrote this should do some research first.

Quote:
This group is not affiliated in any way with the real Cherokee Nation or with the two federally recognized Cherokee tribes.

Well duh,,huh,,, I thought that there were 3 federally recognized Cherokee tribes.
Hell the CNO won't even acknowledge one of their own federally recognized tribes.

Next:
"Although the so-called Cherokees of Alabama have been "recognized" by the state of Alabama, state recognition requires no process for documentation as a legal, historic tribal government."



1st:
The Cherokees of Alabama are not "recognized" by the State of Alabama.
There are 6 Tribes that are, but this tribe is not one of them. This is the golf and country club group that bought a golf course in hopes of getting a casino.




2nd:
The requirements in Alabama to be a Tribe are the toughest in the country.

475-X-3-.03   Criteria for Recognition as a Tribe, Band or Group.

   (1)   Petitioner must meet all criteria as specified in this section.

   (2)   Petitioner must present a list of at least five hundred (500) members who reside in the state of Alabama, of the tribe, band, or group (list must be inclusive by name and physical address), unless the requirement is waived by affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the membership of the commission.

   (3)   Petitioner must present evidence that each of its members is a descendant of individuals recognized as Indian members of an historical Alabama tribe, band, or group found on rolls compiled by the federal government or otherwise identified on other official records or documents.  Copies of ancestry charts with certified copies of birth
certificates or other official documents that clearly link petitioner to ancestor for each member must accompany the petition. Each chart must bear the notarized signature of the individual to whom it pertains. 

   (4)   Petitioner must present satisfactory evidence that its members form a kinship group whose Indian ancestors were related by blood and such ancestors were members of a tribe, band, or group indigenous to Alabama.  This evidence may be the equivalent of the ancestry charts required in Section 3 above.

(5)   The petitioner must swear or affirm the following:

   (a)   No individual holding or eligible for membership in a federally or state recognized tribe, band or group may be accepted for membership in the petitioning group.

   NOTE:  This requirement is for the protection of members of federally or state recognized tribes who might otherwise forfeit services by becoming members of a non-recognized tribal group.

   (6)   Evidence must be presented that the petitioning tribe, band or group has been identified with a tribe, band, or group or Indian community from historical times (200 years) until the present as “American Indian” and has a currently functioning governing body.

   (a)     Ancestry charts must be verified and approved by written acknowledgement of a Certified Genealogist (CSL) who is a non-member of the petitioning tribe, band, group or Indian community.

   (b)   Genealogist must submit a copy of current licensure and documentation of credentials.

   (c)    Tribal history is a requirement.  It may be prepared and written by the tribe, but it must be validated by a certified historian and/or anthropologist.

   (d)   Historian must submit a resume’ of prior work along with documentation of credentials.

(7)   Petitioner must include a statement bearing the notarized signatures of the three highest ranking officers of the petitioning tribe, band, or group certifying that to the best of their knowledge and belief all information contained therein is true and accurate.


 

[bls926]

Well who ever wrote this should do some research first.

Quote:
This group is not affiliated in any way with the real Cherokee Nation or with the two federally recognized Cherokee tribes.

Well duh,,huh,,, I thought that there were 3 federally recognized Cherokee tribes.
Hell the CNO won't even acknowledge one of their own federally recognized tribes.

That's written by Chief Chad Smith. He's calling the CNO, "the real Cherokee Nation" and the EBCI and UKB, "the two federally recognized Cherokee tribes". He's acknowledging all three as legitimate Cherokee, but considers the EBCI and UKB as Tribes and CNO as the Nation.

[Paul123]

. He's acknowledging all three as legitimate Cherokee, but considers the EBCI and UKB as Tribes and CNO as the Nation.

See what I mean? Thanks for the help,,,