In 1835, the U.S. government and the Cherokee Nation signed the Treaty of New Echota, which forced the Cherokees to give up their ancestral homelands and move west on the Trail of Tears. In return for signing the treaty, they were promised $5 million, relocation assistance, compensation for lost property, and a voice in Congress.
But Congress never took the formal action necessary to establish the designated seat.
Today, almost 200 years later, tribal leaders are STILL pushing Congress to make good on this promise. If approved by the House of Representatives, the Delegate could sit on committees, request meetings with Cabinet officials, and push for new policy proposals. These powers can be crucial, and the Cherokee Nation deserves a seat at the table.
It’s Indigenous Peoples Day. I’m writing to ask you to prioritize seating a Cherokee Nation delegate. It’s time to make good on our promise. Thanks.
First sent on October 10, 2022 by Jess Craven
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