Chuck Hoskin: “Cherokee Nation citizenship is equal. ... There are no distinctions between Cherokee citizens of Freedmen descent or…”

These actions have made the Cherokee Nation a better nation for having recognized full and equal citizenship of Freedmen descendants.

I think the Framers of this treaty plainly were concerned about the governmental interests of the Cherokee Nation having a place in this body.

This is not something we can fail at, and it is not something we can wait to do.

I offer both an apology on behalf of the Cherokee Nation for these actions, and more importantly, Mr. Chairman, I offer a commitment to reconciliation.