Cherokee Nation to Recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — The Cherokee Nation next week will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an official holiday for the first time, months after a federal court ruled that descendants of Black slaves, known as freedmen, who were owned by members of the nation have a right to tribal citizenship.

On Monday, Principal Chief Bill John Baker announced he recently signed an executive order declaring next Monday as a Cherokee Nation national holiday. Baker said the declaration was both a tribute to King’s contributions and a call to play a part in continuing his work.

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