Cherokees May Vote to Expel Freedmen

KCUR

Published February 21, 2007 at 10:40 AM CST

Cherokee Freedman Johnny Toomer looks over documents linking him to the tribe.

By Frank Morris

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-567878.mp3

Tahlequah, OK – A federal court hearing Wednesday (February 21) pits Native Americans against the descendants of African slaves who were once kept by tribal members. The Cherokee nation has moved to expel those descendants, known as Cherokee Freedmen. The Freedmen argue that their shared heritage and a 140 year old treaty protect their citizenship. KCUR's Frank Morris reports.

Note: This story aired on NPR's Morning Edition, 2/21/07.

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