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NEWS AND NOTES FROM INDIAN COUNTRY August 18, 2007 Susan Bates

CHEROKEE NATION TO LOSE FUNDS When the Cherokee Nation voted to expel 2900 descendants of the Freedmen last March, they didn't realize what a hornet's nest they were unleashing. Reaction from Washington has been swift and severe. According to a report in the Northwest Arkansas News, Representative Melvin Watt, D-N.C., has introduced a bill that would keep the Cherokees from receiving federal housing assistance dollars, while other members of the Congressional Black Caucus have introduced legislation in the House to sever federal ties with the Cherokee Nation unless Freedmen are given full citizenship. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has administratively blocked the Cherokees' decision to expel Freedmen from the tribe. A lawsuit over the vote is now in tribal courts. Meanwhile, Freedmen continue to receive full tribal benefits. So how sovereign can a Nation be if it takes money from the United States of America? <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MURROW CHILDREN'S HOME COULD USE A HAND When Reverend J.S. Murrow began taking orphan and homeless Indian children into his home after the Civil War, he didn't realize he was starting something that would still be in operation into the 21st century. Based in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the Murrow Children’s Home currently houses 19 Indian children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse as well as abandonment due to alcohol and drugs. The small adult/child relationship assures plenty of attention to each child. Seventy-five percent of the home's funds come from Church donations, the remainder from private donations and a small percentage from tribes. But donations directed to the Murrow Home have decreased because of the recent, national catastrophes. Recently the Home almost closed down due to lack of funds, but so far has managed to hang on. Although children from any tribe in Oklahoma may find a home there, only two tribes support it. The Creek Nation donates $17,500.00 per year and the Cherokee Nation donates $5,000.00. School time is here and just like other families, the Murrow Children need school supplies. I know times are hard for all of us, but if you have a little money to spare, this would be a good place to put it. Here is a list of school and other supplies the home could use: Loose leaf paper, spiral notebooks, crayons, pencils, pens, colored pencils, 8 oz. Elmer's Glue, Crayola markers, Pencil boxes, Kleenex, Pocket folders, Highlighters, Scissors and Backpacks. The school could also use cleaning supplies such as Laundry Soap, Bleach 30 gal. trash bags, Comet, dish soap, dishwasher soap, shampoo and conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, brushes, combs, toilet paper, napkins, towels, wash cloths, twin sheet sets and comforters. They need UPC labels from the back of Campbells Soup cans. For more information? you may contact Michaela at 918-682-2586 If anyone can sponsor a child, they also offer a Sponsorship Program. This costs $25 a month and goes toward special education expenses such as campus tutors, extracurricular school activities, transportation to visit relatives and other special needs. Each child is in need of 5 sponsors. Any groups or individuals interested in sponsoring a child, need to Contact Susan at 918-682-2586 For more information you can contact the home directly and speak with Director Joan Brown at: Murrow Indian Children's Home 2540 Murrow Circle Muskogee, Okla. 74403 918-682-2586 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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