In 1835, the U.S. government and the Cherokee Nation signed the Treaty of New Echota, which forced them to give up their ancestral homelands and move west on the Trail of Tears. Thousands would die on the journey. In return for signing the treaty, they were promised $5 million, relocation assistance, compensation for lost property, and a voice in Congress. 

But Congress never took the formal action necessary to establish the designated seat. 

Today, almost 200 years later, tribal leaders are STILL pushing Congress to make good on this promise. If approved by the House of Representatives, the Delegate could sit on committees, request meetings with Cabinet officials, and push for new policy proposals. These powers can be crucial, and the Cherokee Nation deserves a seat at the table.

But for it to happen, a majority of the House needs to be on board, and that’s where you come in. You can help generate enough political power to ensure there’s support to seat this delegate, and it starts by sending your Representative a message today.