Reps Dan Boren, Tom Cole denounce call for freedmen inquiry

Tribes, freedmen respond
Cherokee Nation spokesman Mike Miller:

"As the Cherokee Nation has explained to more than 100 members of Congress through meetings, this issue has never been about race but only about who is a citizen of an Indian nation. A request for a Justice Department investigation is both unnecessary and unwise, given that the very issue the letter asks the Department of Justice to investigate is before the federal courts.”

Choctaw Nation spokeswoman Judy Allen:

"The Choctaw Nation follows strict guidelines approved by the tribal and federal governments that requires Choctaw tribal members be established through lineage by blood. All tribal membership applications are treated without bias. We are sure that if the Department of Justice submitted to perform a study, it would show proof that the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma abides by the law in enrolling all tribal members.”

Jon Velie, lead counsel for freedmen

"The letter sent from six of the most influential members of Congress is a great sign of hope for the freedmen, who have endured a second-class status for too long. Congress’ champions of

civil rights have taken the issue of the freedmen

to Attorney Gen. Eric Holder — a man who

has shown great courage in taking on the

issue of race.”

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby:

"The Chickasaw Nation has a consistent record of abiding by all applicable treaties, laws and regulations in regard to all matters, including citizenship, for more than 100 years. We have a firm commitment to diversity and an intense aversion to discrimination in any form.”