Legal action
Unanswered questions
Obtain a copy of the Injunction Petition
Find out if your name is among the 731
Contributions/donations

Legal action—The Oversight Committee originally filed the lawsuit to seek and injunction to stop illegal actions by the Headmen, related to the submission to the BIA of only 731 names out of 3125. The District Court first stated that it did not have jurisdiction, then when it was decided that it did, continual delays by the defendants have caused the court action to become meaningless. After five years , the defendants have scattered into splinter groups, all claiming no responsibility. So, it appears to many people that further legal action is fruitless. Donated funds for the future could be spent more wisely exploring other alternatives..

• Cultural Heritage:
  Many members have expressed their opinions that this should be a renewed emphasis in the affairs of the Lost Cherokee. This might involve the building of a Cultural Center, as originally planned, bringing not only tourism but possible jobs.
• Economic Development:
  There are many alternatives to having a Casino for revenue.  For instance, having State recognition might make the Lost Cherokee eligible for several possibilities involving job growth and revenue-sharing.
• Member Benefits:
  These will be important goals for the Lost Cherokee to pursue and it can only be done with a fair and open government.  The crucial goal for the immediate future is to protect the rights of the 3125 members who were issued cards, and many of which were crossed off the list taken to the BIA in Washington by the present Headmen and Council. It is especially important to note that many Lost Cherokee members have need for health care facilities and nutritional needs.  We believe that this should take precedence over plans for a casino, which would only benefit the 731 chosen few.                                                                   

There are many, many unanswered questions regarding the internal affairs of the Lost Cherokee during the past three or four years.  Questions such as:

• How much money was taken in by dues, donations, etc.?
• How was this money spent and to whom was it paid?
• What are the terms of the contract with Bestco for a casino?
• Who stands to benefit from this contract?
• Are Council meetings open to all members to attend?
• Have internal affairs followed provisions of the Constitution?

These, and many more questions, will be answered when the Court grants the Injunction.  The present Headmen and Council will be required to answer these questions or face contempt of Court.  They will have to “Hide No More”.

To obtain a copy of the Injunction Petition, a 15-page document, send a check or money order for $8.00, our cost of copying/mailing, to:

Oversight Committee
P. O. Box 3696
Muskogee, OK 74402

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To find out if your name is among the 731, members are urged to write directly to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).  Don’t take the word of the Headmen!

Your letter to the BIA must include the following:

• Your name as it appears on your membership card
• Residential address (not a P.O. Box)
• Your birth date and year
• The 5-digit number on your membership card
• Photocopy of some legal ID–driver’s license, voter registration, etc.
• Photocopy of both sides of your membership card
• Your signature

Send your letter to:

Office of Federal Acknowledgment
Ass’t Secretary, BIA
Mail Stop MS-34B-SIB
1951 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20240

A reply may take several weeks, but when you do get it, please send a copy to:

The Oversight Committee
P. O. Box 3696
Muskogee, OK 74402

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Contributions/donations are badly needed to help with attorney fees and legal costs. This may be a long, drawn-out legal battle to protect the rights of all 3125 members and for the rights of our descendants. 

Please make checks payable to the Oversight Committee — and send whatever you can afford to:

Casey Branscum
First Service Bank
P.O. Box 1589
Clinton, AR 72031