Cherokee critic announces retirement from Congress
Rep. Diane Watson (D-California), who criticized the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma for its treatment of the Freedmen, will retire from the U.S. House this year.

Watson, 76, sponsored several bills to cut federal funds to the tribe unless the Freedmen, who are the descendants of former slaves, were treated as permanent citizens. The bills never became law but the Cherokees tried to rally other tribes against Watson.

The tribe has contributed money to Felton Newell, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Watson's seat.

Get the Story:
Cherokee Congress foe to retire (Indian Country Today 2/15)

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