The Cherokee Nation, along with other Native American tribes, has long sought representation in Congress as a way to have a voice in the decisions that affect their communities. In the late 1800s, the Cherokee Nation even established a representative form of government, electing a principal chief and a national council.
However, despite these efforts, the U.S. government has consistently denied the Cherokee Nation and other Native American tribes the right to representation in Congress. The tribe has repeatedly petitioned Congress for delegate seats, but these efforts have been repeatedly blocked.
The most recent attempt to seat a Cherokee Nation delegate came in the form of the Cherokee Nation Act, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2021. The act would have granted the Cherokee Nation a delegate seat in the House, as well as voting rights in the U.S. Electoral College.
It is a disappointing outcome for the Cherokee Nation and for all Native American tribes who have been denied representation in Congress. It is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and equal treatment for Native American communities, and the importance of continuing to fight for their rights and for a seat at the table in the U.S. government.
