Faculty in the News
In the News
Cherokee Nation likely to appeal BIA decision
Publication date: July 13, 2009
Source: Indian Country Today
Author: The Associated Press
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An article in Indian Country Today about a Bureau of Indian Affairs decision on the status of the Tahlequah-based Cherokee Nation quoted Stacy Leeds, professor of law and director of the Tribal Law & Government Centeral.
The Associated Press wrote:
EchoHawk's decision could have an effect on how the BIA deals with the Cherokee Nation, the UKB and other tribes, said Stacy Leeds, a law professor who directs the University of Kansas' Tribal Law and Government Center.
"It's a decision about land into trust," said Leeds, a Cherokee Nation member who once served on the tribe's Supreme Court. "It's certainly a good decision from the UKB's perspective. From the Cherokee Nation perspective, it raises questions. It's legally binding as to whether the UKB can have land in trust."
Leeds said that tribes outside Oklahoma are interested in the decision because "it's making a statement about reorganized tribes in this century and opining that they're not necessarily the historic nations that the treaties are with."