Summer study sounds like a diligent examination over vacation months, but it’s actually political Siberia.
The Tennessee House of Representatives sent a bill that could have given state recognition to local Yuchi Indians to “summer study” on Tuesday, effectively killing the measure for another year. We’re glad to see this bill stalled, since tribal leaders from other states expressed doubt about the validity of the Yuchi claims.
For bill supporters, like Chief Lee Vest, it’s another year to convince lawmakers that his claims are legitimate. Vest wants state recognition for the Yuchi and asked Rep. Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, to carry the bill in the House and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, to support the measure in the state Senate.
On Sunday we urged the Legislature to turn this question back to the Tennessee Indian Commission, even though the Tennessee attorney general in 2007 issued an opinion that state lawmakers have the authority to recognize Indian tribes. We don’t believe the AG’s opinion gives state lawmakers expert understanding of Indian affairs and history. We fear there is a chance that groups that are not aligned with recognized, established tribes could gain state recognition. That would pave the way for federal recognition and associated scholarships, business loans and other funds.
Mumpower said such a mistake easily could be reversed, but we know American Indians do not want to see recognition granted to any group that is not proven to be legitimate. State legislators agreed and dumped this bill, at least for a year.
But sending the bill to an actual study committee, particularly if it was aligned with the Tennessee Indian Commission, would be the better step. Vest wants a chance to prove his claims, while critics believe his tribe is not legitimate.
Lawmakers are not experts in this field and won’t become experts by next session. The Tennessee Indian Commission knows the most about how to handle these claims and properly answer any concerns. Legislators should send tribal recognition requests to the commission so these important decisions rest with experts.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement