A candidate for the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council is seeking to join a lawsuit over the citizenship status of the Freedmen.

Robin Mayes claims the Cherokee Nation is preventing Freedmen descendants from enrolling in the tribe. As a result, he says his candidacy for a seat on the council will be harmed.

About 2,800 Freedmen, who are the descendants of former slaves, retain citizenship in the tribe pending the resolution of litigation in federal court. They contend their rights are protected by a post-Civil War treaty.

The tribe has attempted to change its constitution to deny citizenship to the Freedmen.

Get the Story:
Cherokee candidate wants in freedmen's lawsuit (The Muskogee Phoenix 6/4)

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