As a descendant of a Choctaw Freedman, I have personally encountered the barriers and challenges in seeking the citizenship and full rights that were promised under the Treaty of 1866. This treaty, signed between the United States and the Five Tribes—Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations—was intended to secure the rights of Freedmen and their descendants as equal members within their respective Nations. While some Nations have made commendable strides to honor these obligations, others have yet to fulfill their promises.

The Treaty of 1866 was a landmark agreement that aimed to provide a new path of equality and justice for Freedmen descendants who had been emancipated. However, despite being enshrined in law, the commitments made have been inconsistently recognized, leaving many struggling to obtain the citizenship and rights they are legally entitled to.

Documentation and research show that thousands of Freedmen descendants remain disenfranchised, lacking access to resources, healthcare, education, and cultural opportunities that should be available to them under tribal citizenship. The delay in enforcing these rights not only ignores historical agreements but also perpetuates systemic inequities and injustices rooted in centuries of discrimination.

By enforcing the Treaties of 1866 in full, we honor the legacy and promises made to Freedmen descendants and allow them to fully participate in the cultural, social, and political life of their Nations. This includes ensuring access to education, healthcare, and housing, and preserving their unique cultural heritage that has contributed enormously to the rich tapestry of American history.

I am calling on tribal leaders, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the federal government to prioritize the immediate enforcement of these treaty obligations. We must actively engage in dialogue and create actionable plans to address these omissions and ensure that all descendants receive the recognition and inclusion they deserve. Let us pave the way for justice, equality, and healing.

Join me in demanding justice for Freedmen descendants by signing this petition. Together, we can work towards a future where promises are fulfilled and rights are respected and upheld for everyone in our shared communities.