Black Creeks Demand Enforcement of Supreme Court Citizenship Ruling
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court ruled in July 2025 that Black Creeks with lineage under the Treaty of 1866 are entitled to citizenship. The decision overturned a 1979 constitutional amendment that had stripped them of this right. Yet five months later, the group returned to court, demanding enforcement of the ruling.
The case began when Angela Walton, a descendant of the Muscogee Freedmen, filed a lawsuit in December 2025. She sought to force the nation to issue citizenship cards, citing a 2021 tribal court decision. Plaintiffs Rhonda Grayson and Jeffrey Kennedy later joined, stating they fought for their families and thousands of others still denied recognition.
The Supreme Court’s July 2025 ruling was clear: Black Creeks must receive citizenship cards, and the 1979 amendment revoking their status was invalid. It also struck down any reference to citizenship 'by blood' in the constitution, removing the need for further changes. Attorneys Damario Solomon-Simmons and Jana L. Knott argued that the order was final and required no additional steps. However, compliance stalled. The court demanded monthly updates from the Citizenship Board, but little progress was made. The board proposed updating tribal codes and policies yet provided no timeline. Meanwhile, MCN Principal Chief David Hill issued an order halting all citizenship card issuances, claiming new laws were necessary. Solomon-Simmons reiterated that the Treaty of 1866 guaranteed these rights. With the Supreme Court already in agreement, the Black Creeks insisted the nation must act immediately.
The Black Creeks’ latest filing pushes for the court to enforce its July decision. The Citizenship Board remains under pressure to issue cards and align with the ruling. Until then, descendants of the Muscogee Freedmen continue waiting for official recognition.
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