Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw factions unite for recognition push

Thursday, July 10, 2014  

Rival factions of the Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw in Mississippi have resolved a leadership dispute.

The settlement was approved by a judge in state court on Wednesday. It allows the united tribe to finalize a petition for federal recognition with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"Today is a historical milestone for our people," Chairman Terry Ladnier told AL.Com "This is a great step forward for us."

The tribe submitted a letter of intent in June 2006, according to the BIA The dispute was preventing progress on the federal recognition petition.

Get the Story:
Chancery Court acknowledges Choctaw tribe in Jackson County (The Biloxi Sun-Herald 7/10)
Newly recognized Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw tribe thanks judge with cucumbers (AL.Com 7/10)