Copyright © 2007 NLThomas
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O'siyo, This case is not one that should be seen as black and white; it is not about race! First, the 1866 treaty was forced on the Cherokee. Second, there are still many enrolled Cherokee Nation citizens that also have black blood. (So much for racism angle!) Third, many Cherokees fought in the Civil War in blue coats...yes, the Cherokee Nation was divided on the Civil War. Many Cherokees fought for the North, including some of my Cherokee ancestors! Fourth, I hold legal proof of my Cherokee blood, but have a gap in proving direct relation to my ancestors listed on both the Dawes and Baker Rolls. This gap keeps me from becoming an enrolled Cherokee Citizen. So, why should those who hold no proof of Cherokee blood be able to enroll as Cherokee Citizens? Just because they have ancestors that were slaves of Cherokees!?! That would be like saying that all who's ancestors owned slaves must accept the ancestors of those slaves as family members. I don't think so ! William Holland Thomas was adopted into the original Cherokee Nation and became a chief. He also is responsible for the Eastern Band Cherokee Nation owning the Qualla Boundary! William Holland Thomas, however, was a Scotsman not Cherokee. I would like to see the connection on the rolls done away with, but of course that would solve my problem, so that feeling is understandable. However in this one's opinion, if one does not have legal proof of Cherokee blood running through one's veins, one should not be able to become an enrolled citizen of any of the three recognized Cherokee Nations! And at this time one is required to have legal proof of a connection to someone listed on a certain roll, so that is that. It is only right that a sovereign nation should be able to decide whom and whom can not become a citizen! Just as the U.S.A. and other sovereign nations do! Do'nvdagohvi dohiyi, Nancy Thomas, Cherokee By Blood! -- Nancy Thomas, Keeper of the People's Paths