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A new exhibit at the Cherokee History Museum explores the history of the Freedmen, the people formerly enslaved by the tribal nation.

Cherokee attorney offers take on ‘by blood’ removal STILWELL – An attorney familiar with the Cherokee Nation’s long and at times bitter relationship with freed slaves and their descendants says the CN Supreme Court’s removal of a “by blood” requirement is a milestone for civil rights within the tribe. “This is not only a great day for civil rights activists in Cherokee Nation, it’s a great day for our judicial process,” CN citizen and Stilwell-based attorney Ralph Keen II said. “Now the judicial process recognizes that even though yes, we...

Listen to the story. In a historic ruling on Feb. 22, the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court struck the term “by blood” from its constitution and laws. Credit: Share Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story originally appeared on KOSU. It has been updated with additional material for its airing on The World. In a historic ruling on Feb. 22, the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court struck the term “by blood” from its constitution and laws. The decision effectively ends a decadeslong debate over citizenship status in the largest tribe in the country. Related:  Citizenship in the Che...

1:15 Citizenship in the Cherokee Nation is not based on blood, but still, language in the tribe's laws, constitution, and policies was central to an ongoing cultural and legal debate over whether the descendants of Cherokee Freedmen, those formerly enslaved by the tribe, were considered tribal members. Monday's unanimous ruling upholds the 1866 treaty the tribal nation signed with the federal government affirming their right to citizenship. "One hundred and fifty-five years after the 1866 treaty, Native Cherokees must fully step into the promise they made on the ‘far end of the Trail of Tea...

A growing number of Cherokee Nation citizens request to be a part of the legal proceedings.