19 Facts About Cherokee Nation

1.

Cherokee Nation, known as the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, is the largest of three Cherokee federally recognized tribes in the United States.

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2.

Cherokee Nation was seriously destabilized in May 1997 in what was variously described as either a nationalist "uprising" or an "anti-constitutional coup" instigated by Joe Byrd, the Principal Chief.

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3.

The BIA noted that the Cherokee Nation had excluded the Cherokee Freedmen from voting on the amendment.

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4.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development froze $33 million in funds to the Cherokee Nation while studying the case, pursuant to a stipulation in the 2008 congressional renewal of Self-Determination Act.

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5.

The Cherokee Nation has accepted this decision, effectively ending the dispute.

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6.

Cherokee Nation issued the opinion because the director of the tribe's tax commission sought a decision as to whether the tribe could issue a vehicle tag to a same-sex couple married outside the tribe's jurisdiction.

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7.

Cherokee Nation instigated a 10-year language preservation plan that involved developing new fluent speakers of the Cherokee language from childhood on up through school immersion programs, as well as a collaborative community effort to use the language at home.

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8.

Cherokee Nation has legislative, executive and judicial branches with executive power vested in the Principal Chief, legislative power in the Tribal Council, and judicial power in the Tribal Supreme Court.

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9.

The Nation operates a medical clinic, the Wilma P Mankiller Clinic, and Maryetta School in Stilwell.

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10.

Cherokee Nation has the right to appoint a delegate to the U S House of Representatives, per the 1835 Treaty of New Echota.

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11.

Cherokee Nation participates in numerous joint programs with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, including cultural exchange programs and joint Tribal Council meetings involving councilors from both Cherokee tribes that address issues affecting all Cherokee people.

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12.

Similarly, the Shawnee Tribe separated from the Cherokee Nation and achieved federal recognition in the 20th century.

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13.

The Cherokee Nation operates its own housing authority and issues Tribal vehicle and boat tags.

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14.

In recent times, the modern Cherokee Nation has experienced an almost unprecedented expansion in economic growth and prosperity for its citizens.

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15.

The Cherokee Nation has significant business, corporate, real estate, and agricultural interests, helping to produce revenue for economic development and welfare.

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16.

Cherokee Nation council appropriates money for historic foundations concerned with the preservation of Cherokee culture, including the Cherokee Heritage Center.

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17.

Cherokee Nation publishes the Cherokee Phoenix, currently a monthly newspaper.

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18.

Cherokee Nation has constructed health clinics throughout Oklahoma, contributed to community development programs, built roads and bridges, constructed learning facilities and universities for its citizens, instilled the practice of Gadugi and self-reliance, revitalized language immersion programs for its children and youth, and is a powerful and positive economic and political force in Eastern Oklahoma.

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19.

The Cherokee Nation has gotten positive feedback on their COVID-19 response in comparison to the rest of the US.

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