Freedmen

While many across the country recognize Juneteenth as the end to the institution of slavery in America in 1865, some tribal nations in Oklahoma continued to own slaves until the following year, 1866. Today, many of the descendants of those formerly enslaved people are still fighting for full citizenship within those tribal nations.

The Muscogee Nation Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday around the rights of people descended from the tribe’s former slaves.

Tulsa’s director of tribal policy and partnerships says the city is still hoping to work through issues despite requests to intervene in a much publicized lawsuit.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland approved on Wednesday a new constitution for the Cherokee Nation, one that ensures full citizenship for…