Freedmen Descendants Sue for Citizenship | Savannah News

Two descendants of formerly enslaved people are suing the Muscogee Nation, demanding citizenship cards they’re legally entitled to under a 1866 treaty and a tribal court ruling from last year. Denied in 2019 for lacking direct blood ties, they now argue the tribe’s leadership is ignoring its own court’s decision — a move that could pave the way for thousands more freedmen descendants to gain citizenship, even without Muscogee blood. Their fight, echoing similar battles won by the Seminole and Cherokee Nations, centers on the right to vote and full tribal participation — a battle rooted in a 1979 constitution that excluded many freedmen descendants despite the treaty’s promise. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7a5e916b4d3a13d8