The Cherokee Nation descendants of former African slaves are asking a federal court to halt the tribe's effort to revoke their citizenship.

The Cherokee Freedmen are entitled to citizenship because their ancestors appeared on the Dawes Roll. But the tribe scheduled a referendum to add an Indian blood requirement to the constitution.

The vote is scheduled to take place March 3. Attorneys for the Freedmen are seeking an injunction.

In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., said the tribe has repeatedly "marginalized" the Freedmen since the late 1800s.

Get the Story:
Cherokee election targeted (The Oklahoman 2/3)
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Court Decision:
Vann v. Kempthorne (December 19, 2006)

Cason Letter:
Cherokee Nation Constitution (August 30, 2006)

Cherokee Nation Judicial Appeals Tribunal Decision in Freedmen Case:
Allen v. Cherokee Nation (March 7, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Freedmen Of The Five Civilized Tribes - http://www.freedmen5tribes.com
Freedmen Conference - http://www.freedmenconference.com

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