Descendants of enslaved people held by several tribal nations in Oklahoma have seen improvements in accessing Native American health care, education and other services, but significant barriers remain, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released ahead of Black History Month.
The report highlights ongoing discrimination against Freedmen descendants, who are tribal citizens but often face additional proof-of-blood requirements. Activist Marilyn Vann described the situation as "21st century racism" and noted a "chilling effect" that deters many from seeking entitled services. The pandemic exacerbated the issue, with high-profile cases of denied vaccines and financial aid.
The Cherokee, Seminole, Muscogee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations are among those whose citizens enslaved people. Post-Civil War treaties with the United States abolished slavery and guaranteed citizenship to Freedmen. Today, only the Cherokee Nation grants full citizenship; the Seminole Nation allows voting and council membership but restricts some benefits; the other three nations deny citizenship entirely.
Enrolled Cherokee and Seminole Freedmen are sometimes asked for "Indian blood" proof when applying for federal services. Seminole Freedmen are effectively blacklisted from federally funded housing, education and elder assistance. John Beecham, a Cherokee Freedman, faced such a request from Haskell Indian Nations University in 2020. After intervention from Cherokee Chief Chuck Hoskin, the school reversed its decision, but Beecham chose not to reapply.
The Bureau of Indian Education clarified in 2024 that tribal enrolment cards are sufficient proof of eligibility. An agency spokesperson said it does not track Freedmen descendants separately. Similarly, the Indian Health Service updated its policies in 2021 to require only tribal citizenship for care, following complaints from Freedmen like Mark McClain, who reported hostility when asked for blood proof at clinics.
