A bill that would have recognized up to six Tennessee tribes has been shelved after the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma lobbied against it.

The tribe convinced lawmakers to remove nearly every group from the bill. It was finally amended to send the issue to a study committee.

"They should look at the unintended consequences in these culture clubs that have interfered with Indian child welfare, tried to advance gaming, have interfered with road construction," Chief Chad Smith told lawmakers, WSMV-TV reported.

Most of the groups claimed Cherokee ancestry. Some claimed Creek and Yuchi heritage, which brought objections from members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

Get the Story:
Tribes Oppose Yuchi Nation Recognition (WSMV 5/26)
Humphrey on the Hill: Tennessee Indians To Be Studied, Not Recognized (The Knoxville News 5/26)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Reconsider Tennessee recognition bill (5/26)
Muscogee Nation opposes Tennessee recognition bill (5/20)
Cherokee Nation lobbies against 'Cherokees' (5/13)