HUD Unfreezes Federal Funding For The Cherokee Nation

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said Friday morning Housing and Urban Development is releasing $39 million that was withheld from the tribe in late August 2011.

Friday, October 28th 2011, 11:19 am

By: News On 6


Russell Hulstine, NewsOn6.com

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma -- Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said Friday morning Housing and Urban Development is releasing $39 million that was withheld from the tribe in late August 2011.

9/7/2011 Related Story: HUD Freezes Federal Funding To Cherokee Nation Over Freedmen Issue

HUD announced they had frozen HUD funding to the Cherokee Nation over the Freedmen issue.

"We are pleased that in the second week of our term we've managed to work with the Federal Government to have this money released. It's important we have that money so we can better take care of our people," Chief Bill John Baker said.

A letter from HUD Assistant Secretary Sandra Henriquez stated the money was released due to filings by the Nation's Attorney General Diane Hammons that complied with the requirements of a Federal District Court Order relative to the citizenship of Freedmen.

"HUD reserves the right to reassess its decision to release the Tribe's fund in the future if the Tribe is deemed to be in violation of the term of any Federal court order. Failure to adhere to a Federal court order could lead to sanctions, up to and including termination of the Tribe's IHBG funds," said Assistant Secretary Sandra Henriquez in her letter.

Read HUD Assistant Secretary Sandra Henriquez's letter.

Baker says the Cherokee Nation Attorney General is handling the litigation of the Freedmen citizenship.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

October 28th, 2011

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 27th, 2024

March 27th, 2024