John,
It’s been close to 200 years since the 1835 Treaty of New Echota between the United States and the Cherokee people.
This treaty guaranteed the Cherokee Nation the right to send a delegate to Congress, but this obligation has still not been met.
Fulfilling our nation's promise to grant the Cherokee Nation a delegate in Congress would continue our work of expanding democracy by giving a voice to people that have waited far too long to have one in the halls of power.
So right now, with members of the Cherokee Nation renewing their push for this representation in Congress, we cannot let this failure continue on any longer.
Sign the petition to the House of Representatives: Seat the Cherokee Nation Delegate.
The tradition of representative democracy embodied in indigenous communities can serves as a model for Congress, helping to expand the rights of everyone across the nation.
Even though the Cherokee Nation Delegate is not be able to vote for bills ,they will have power in committees, giving them the ability to advance key issues, from protecting historic monuments and public lands, to ending the neglect that allows Congress to chip away at nutrition assistance, health care, education funding, and other programs on Tribal lands.
It’s past time for our nation to respect indigenous land sovereignty by honoring treaties.
Sign the petition to the House of Representatives: Seat the Cherokee Nation Delegate.
There is no justice without truly meeting the promises of our nation.
- Tre
Tre Graves
Digital Organizing Coordinator
Democracy for America