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Cherokee Law & Order
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Breaking Down Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country | Interview with Tori Holland
This episode of ᏣᎳᎩ ᏫᏗᎦᏅᏍᎩ - The Cherokee Dispatch brings you an in-depth discussion with Tori Holland on the complexities of criminal jurisdiction in Indian Country. 🏛️⚖️
In this interview, we discuss:
- Jurisdictional decision-making
- Key issues surrounding the UKB contract health system & Claremore Indian Hospital
- How criminal cases are handled under McGirt and related rulings
This conversation is essential for understanding how legal decisions impact Cherokee citizens and tribal sovereignty. Stay informed and engaged!
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💬 What are your thoughts on tribal jurisdiction? Drop a comment below!
#Cherokee411 #TribalJurisdiction #McGirtDecision #CherokeeNation #IndianCountry #CaraCowanWatts

McGirt Decision: What It Means for Cherokee Sovereignty
The McGirt decision changed the legal landscape for Cherokee Nation and other tribal nations in Oklahoma. Former Principal Chief Chad Smith breaks down what this ruling means for Cherokee sovereignty, legal rights, and treaty obligations.
📌 In this video, you’ll learn:
✔️ How the McGirt decision reaffirms tribal sovereignty
✔️ What it means for Cherokee citizens and governance
✔️ The future of treaty rights and jurisdiction in Oklahoma
Tribal sovereignty is at a critical moment, and understanding this ruling is essential for all Cherokee citizens. Watch now to hear insights from Former Chief Chad Smith on this historic case and its implications for our Nation.
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#mcgirt #CherokeeSovereignty #TribalJurisdiction #NativeRights #IndigenousGovernance #CherokeeNation #IndianLaw #oklahoma #UKB

Understanding UKB History & Cherokee Governance: A Conversation with Victoria Holland
Join Cherokee 411 with Cara as we sit down with Victoria Holland from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians to dive into the history, governance, and contemporary challenges facing the Keetoowah people and Cherokee communities.
Victoria, a tribal council attorney, congressional delegate, and prosecutor, shares her journey from growing up in a family immersed in Indian law and education to her role in tribal leadership today. She provides an insightful overview of the historical timeline of the Keetoowah people, their distinction from the Cherokee Nation, and the complexities of tribal jurisdiction in Oklahoma.
We also discuss the recent M-Opinion from the U.S. Department of the Interior, its implications for Cherokee governance, and the legal landscape following the McGirt decision. Victoria breaks down recent controversies in law enforcement and the importance of collaboration between Cherokee tribal governments for the benefit of all citizens in the 14-county area.
🔥 Topics Covered:
✅ The historical roots of the Keetoowah people
✅ Keetoowahnction between Cherokee and Keetoowah identity
✅ The impact of the M Opinion and federal tribal law
✅ The role of tribal law enforcement post-McGirt
✅ The need for cooperation between Cherokee governments
💬 Have thoughts or questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
🔔 Subscribe to Cherokee 411 with Cara for more deep dives into Cherokee history, culture, and current issues.
#Cherokee411 #CherokeeNation #Keetoowah #TribalLaw #VictoriaHolland #IndigenousGovernance #mcgirt

Unchecked Power: Tribal Council Pay Raises & Constitutional Concerns
🚨 Did the Cherokee Tribal Council violate the Constitution? 🚨
In this episode of Cherokee 411 with Cara, Cara Cowan Watts breaks down the controversial self-approved pay raises that the Cherokee Tribal Council granted itself—without a vote from the Cherokee people. This decision has sparked a constitutional and legal battle that raises serious concerns about government accountability, transparency, and the role of Cherokee citizens in decision-making.
As a plaintiff in the lawsuit challenging these pay raises, Cara shares an insider’s perspective on what happened, what’s at stake, and why this case could redefine tribal governance moving forward.
📜 Full Court Documents Here: Cherokee Supreme Court Case - SC-23-12
https://www.cherokeecourts.org/Supreme-Court/SC-23-12-Cowan-Watts-et-al-v-Hoskin-et-al
📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ The legal and constitutional problems with the pay raises
✔️ How Cherokee law and the Constitution regulate government salaries
✔️ Why this decision was made behind closed doors
✔️ What this means for the future of Cherokee democracy
✔️ The ongoing legal battle and what comes next
💬 What do you think? Should the Tribal Council have the power to increase their own salaries without citizen approval? Let us know in the comments!
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#CherokeeNation #TribalPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #ConstitutionalRights #NativeAmericanNews
Cherokee Law & Order
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