Re: Delaware Tribe of Indians - Bundesanerkennung rückt in Nähe
von Jana » Mi 17. Jun 2009, 15:18
Hallo Rob,
danke für den Beitrag. Das ist wirklich eine gute Entwicklung in die richtige Richtung für die Delawaren. Es ist immer wieder schön, in unserer "Wigwam-Zeitung" auch mal positive Nachrichten zu lesen. Ich erlaube mir mal, für unsere Englisch sprechenden Leser die beiden Artikel zu posten, die du mir geschickt hast. Rechtlich sehe ich da keine Bedenken.
Good luck to the Delaware Tribe!
Here are the source articles of this German posting for our English-speaking readers:
Delawares pass constitution, move closer to federal recognition
Written by JoKAY DOWELL / Native American Times
6-8-2009
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – Bureau of Indian Affairs officials in Muskogee last week released a memorandum confirming the passage of the Delaware Tribe of Indians Constitution and Bylaws, advancing the Bartlesville-based group closer to federal recognition status. As required, an October 2008 Memorandum of Agreement with the Cherokee Nation addressing separation of the two entities passed as well.
Delaware Elder Council Chairman Titus Frenchman, shown here singing during a weekly drum group practice, said with or without federal recognition, the Delaware have always known who they are.
The vote was counted on May 27 by BIA officials in Muskogee. The BIA’s certification stated that at least 30 percent of the 1,555 members entitled to vote cast their ballots in accordance with the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of June 26, 1937. The Constitution and Bylaws was ratified by a vote of 1,136 for and 19 against.
Upon approval by the Secretary of the Interior, the Delaware Tribe of Indians will receive its federal recognition and tribal sovereignty and be listed in the federal register as a federally recognized Indian Nation, according to a press release from the tribe.
By an agreement in 1867, during Delaware forced removal from Kansas to Oklahoma, the group came under the umbrella of the Cherokee Nation, Delaware spokesperson Earnest Tiger said.
“We were moved a total of six times, originally starting in what is now New York, New Jersey; that area,” he said.
Since the 1970s, the Delaware were in an on-again, off-again dispute with the Cherokee Nation over its attempts to split from CN and gain federal recognition, was acknowledged in the 1990s but lost again in 2004 with a federal court decision.
Due to loss of revenue along with its loss of federal status, the Delaware Tribe went from 100 employees to five and were forced to sell the building formerly housing its tribal headquarters, Tiger said. He estimated the Delaware lost approximately $ 7 million per year in funding and approximately $75 to 100 million in economic development.
In October, both tribal councils agreed to separate.
“At this point, after losing federal recognition and regaining it, it will mean that the tribe can develop a sustainable government and economy,” Tiger said.
With or without federal recognition, the Delaware have always known who they are, Delaware Elder Council Chairman Titus Frenchman said.
For nearly 50 years, the Delaware have held a gathering near Copan, Okla., on the Fred Fall Leaf land. Traditional foods, naming and other traditional ceremonies, giveaways and the honoring of respected elders have continued with or without federal status.
“Traditions are being maintained,” Frenchman said. “I spoke at our powwow about our history. This is still Fall Leaf property. I helped clear this ground in the ’50s. We held a social dance then; everyone brought food. I was only in about the 4th grade.”
Frenchman said he is excited that the Delaware will be able to stand on their own once again.
“The original treaty had articles of agreement that established our autonomy to do business. In 1958, we had a business committee to deal with monies from the feds. We never ventured into any agreement with the thought of giving up our sovereignty,” he stated.
Frenchman explained that there are Delaware who remain loyal to the Cherokee agreement but most want to direct their own destiny.
“A lot of Delawares do not want to belong to Cherokee Nation; no way, no how. Some enjoy the benefits that the Cherokees offer. We’ve not had the chance to establish a sound business development model. Now that will change.”
With about 10,800 members, the Delaware Tribe is headed by Chief Jerry Douglas.
Delaware Tribe on the brink of federal recognition
by: CLIFTON ADCOCK
Tulsa World Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
After years of struggling, the Delaware Tribe of Indians is on the cusp of regaining federal recognition.
Tribal voters on May 26 overwhelmingly approved the tribe's proposed constitution and bylaws, with 1,136 voting to approve the constitution and 19 opposing it. The election was administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The Bartlesville-based tribe, which has about 10,800 members, is separate from the federally recognized Delaware Nation, which has its headquarters in Anadarko.
The election came after a memorandum of understanding was drawn up between the Delaware Tribe and the Cherokee Nation in October.
The Delawares have been associated with the Cherokee Nation for years, and the two tribes have had numerous disputes over the Delawares' attempts to break away.
The Delaware Tribe was able to get federal recognition in the '90s, only to lose it again in 2004 in a federal court decision.
With the loss of its federal recognition, the tribe went from about 100 employees to five and had to sell its former headquarters, officials said.
Regaining federal recognition will help the tribe obtain federal funds and jump-start halted economic development projects.
The approval of the constitution leaves only the election's approval by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for the tribe to receive federal recognition.
Delaware Chief Jerry Douglas and other tribal officials were flying to Washington on Monday to meet with Salazar, said Marilyn Cole, office manager and tribal enrollment director.
"It's great news," she said. "We're all real excited."
If the Delaware Tribe gets federal recognition, Oklahoman will have 38 tribes with that status.