HJR78 Summary

• Urges the federal government to officially recognize the Cherokee Nation of Alabama as an American Indian tribe following their petition to the U.S. Department of the Interior on February 16, 1999.

• Acknowledges that Cherokee peoples historically resided in northeast Alabama counties including Madison, Jackson, Marshall, DeKalb, Colbert, Cherokee, and Etowah Counties.

• Recognizes Cherokee contributions to Alabama's history, including their alliance with the United States during the Creek War of 1813-14 and their lasting cultural legacy evident in state geographic names.

• Notes that while many Cherokee were removed during the Trail of Tears, some remained in Alabama and many contemporary Alabamians claim Cherokee ancestry.

• Requires the Alabama Legislature to deliver a copy of the resolution to the Office of the Solicitor and Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Federal Acknowledgment within the U.S. Department of the Interior.