Cherokee Nation Creates Commission For Recent McGirt Ruling

The Cherokee Nation has created a new commission to handle issues related to the recent Supreme Court ruling on tribal jurisdiction.

That ruling means most of Eastern Oklahoma is still considered to be a Native American reservation. It means that major crimes committed by tribal citizens on that land, are no longer in Oklahoma's jurisdiction.

Hundreds of current cases will have to be tried in federal court and past cases may have to be re-tried in federal court instead of state court. Some of the cases could end up in tribal court.

The new Cherokee Nation commission will make funding and resource recommendations and will examine other issues related to the ruling.

The tribe will also apply for federal funding to expand its staff, so they can better handle the extra workload.