The Chiefs Of The Citizen Band Of Potawatomi Indians Of Central Oklahoma Asking For Assistance

Item — Box: 38, Folder: 19

Identifier: CAC_CC_109_5_38_19_0066

Staff Only

The citizen band Potawatomi were offered United States Citizenship by an act of congress, which they accepted. They have maintained their tribal unity under a democratic form of tribal government. However, in 1983, the current business committee and tribal administrator set aside the constitution, declared sovereignty, and have been functioning as a dictatorship since. The committee has repeatedly ignored petitions to call for a general council, and has reduced the role of the general council to "advisory only". They have instituted a number of autocratic actions, including censoring tribal business and discussions, and have even threatened and thrown tribal members off of tribal land. In conclusion, the people are requesting that the United States Congress intervene and restore democracy to the tribe.

Dates

1982-1984, 1986

Language of Materials

English

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