"On the far end of the Trail of Tears was a Promise."

Yesterday, we as a nation watched as the United States Supreme Court held that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Indian Reservation was never disestablished. We celebrate as the United States upholds the Treaty with the Muscogee Creek Nation and the government’s promise. Until yesterday, Oklahoma has governed as if Indian reservations in Oklahoma did not exist. Yesterday recognizes Oklahoma to be home to the most populous Indian reservation in the United States. 

This decision gives hope to surrounding Oklahoma Tribes including Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation and Seminole Nation because of similar treaty and congressional acts to the Muscogee Creek Nation. 

Recognition of this land grants Tribal communities to have criminal, civil, regulatory and tax jurisdiction. Tribes also receive additional federal statutory authority on their reservations. Federal assistance may be available to tribes when activities occur on Indian reservations. 

The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute praises the United States Supreme Court in upholding the treaty with the Muscogee Creek Nation. We celebrate with the ancestors of the Muscogee Creek, knowing that what was promised to them so long ago will not be stolen again and their prayers have been heard.