Commission votes to support resolution backing Freedmen seeking tribal citizenship

The Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission voted Oct. 17 to support a resolution from the advocacy group Beyond Apology urging recognition of Freedmen within tribal citizenship processes.

Commission discussion reviewed historical and legal context. A commissioner noted that Freedmen’s claims date to Article 2 of the Treaty of 1866 and argued the commission should “stand with the freedmen who are seeking true membership into the tribes.” Another speaker urged caution, noting that a municipal resolution is a statement of support and does not compel sovereign tribal governments to change membership rules.

Commissioners said the resolution is intended as a solidarity statement and a public record of support rather than a legally binding demand on tribal sovereignty. Commissioners discussed how the topic intersects with the commission’s systems-change and cultural-identity work and suggested the resolution could be a first step toward coordinated advocacy and educating local and tribal leaders.

Motion and vote: A commissioner moved that the panel “support the resolution”; another commissioner seconded. The chair called for a voice vote; the motion passed after a voice vote in favor (“Aye”). The transcript does not record a roll-call tally.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to circulate a draft resolution for review; one commissioner volunteered to draft the language and share it for editing.