Sullivan Introduces Legislation to Reestablish Delaware Tribe’s Federal Status
Congressman John Sullivan's office issued the following release regarding legislation he introduced on August 1 to assist the Delaware Tribe of Indians restore their federal recognition. The legislation is the result of cooperative efforts among Sullivan's office, the Delaware Tribe and the Cherokee Nation.
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114 Cannon House Office Building Phone: 202-225-2211
Washington, D.C. 20515 Fax: 202-225-9187
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2008
CONTACT: Vaughn Jennings
(202) 225-2211
(202) 225-6684 cell
Sullivan Introduces Legislation to Reestablish Delaware Tribe’s Federal Status
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Sullivan introduced legislation which will help the Delaware Tribe of Indians reestablish their recognized status with the United States Government.
“After three years of working with the Delaware tribe, the Cherokee Nation, and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), I am pleased to introduce legislation which will help restore the rightful federal recognition of the Delaware Tribe. In addition, my legislation also incorporates mechanisms for the Delaware Tribe and the Cherokee Nation to resolve their economic and jurisdictional issues in North Eastern Oklahoma amicably. I applaud the cooperation of these two tribes in reaching this historic agreement” Sullivan said.
The Delaware Tribe was previously recognized by the United States Government throughout the 20th century until it was terminated by the DOI in 1979. The Department rescinded that decision in 1996, and the Tribe was recognized from 1996 until 2004 when a Tenth Circuit Court decision ended the Tribes federal recognition. The United States Solicitor General stated to the United States Supreme Court that the Tenth Circuit decision to end status of the tribe resulted in the need for Congress to pass legislation restoring the Delaware Tribes full standing with the Federal Government.
Chief Jerry Douglas issued the following statement on behalf of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, tribal council and the tribal trust board:
“We are pleased and appreciative of the spirit of cooperation between the two tribes, Delawares and Cherokees, which has enabled us to arrive at a point that legislation to restore our federal recognition has been reached. Chief Smith and Congressman John Sullivan have been instrumental in assisting with the mechanics of getting our legislation drafted and introduced before Congress. I certainly don’t want to minimize the cooperation and assistance from the members of the Cherokee Nation tribal council. We are looking forward to working with members of Congress and particularly the Oklahoma delegation in getting this bill moved through both houses.”
Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation offered the following remarks:
“We thank Congressman Sullivan for working with both the Cherokee Nation and the Delawares to bring forward a bill that will preserve Cherokee Nation sovereignty while still allowing the Delawares to re-organize their tribal government. I especially want to thank Chief Douglas for his efforts on behalf of his people and his hard work to make sure that this bill is introduced.”
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Vaughn Jennings
Press Secretary
Rep. John Sullivan (OK-01)
114 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
202-225-2211 Office
202-225-9187 Fax