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Monday, October 27, 2003

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is extending federal services to descendants of African slaves who are members of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.

The BIA met with Seminole Freedmen and their representatives on Friday to announce the decision. The Freedmen have agrees to stay litigation over the issue to gain federal recognition.

The Seminole Freedmen are members of the tribe but have been denied access to certain federal benefits. The Cherokee Freedmen were recently denied the right to vote and their lawyer says the BIA's decision will help them.

Get the Story:
Government recognizes Seminole Freedmen (AP 10/26)

Relevant Links:
Estelusti Foundation - http://www.estelusti.com
African Native Americans - http://www.african-nativeamerican.com

Related Stories:
Letter: Letter: 'Bigotry' of Cherokee and Seminole leaders (09/19)
Editorial: Black Indians victims of discrimination (09/12)
Seminole Freedmen locked out of tribal rights (9/11)
Cherokee Freedmen caught in high-level dispute (08/20)
Tribes not always following treaties on Freedmen (08/18)
Cherokee Freedmen sue BIA for disenfranchisement (8/12)
Court tackles Seminole dispute (9/24)
The Seminole Nation's hanging chad (8/8)
Resolution of Seminole dispute sought in court (5/28)
Court decision rocks Seminole Nation (5/8)
Black Seminole appeal planned (5/1)
Black Seminoles dealt setback (4/30)
Black Seminole issue still divisive (10/29)


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