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Tribal Law in the Cherokee Nation Capital

Tahlequah is the heart of the Cherokee Nation—the largest tribe in the United States. Our founding attorney serves as a Tribal Supreme Court Justice, bringing unique expertise to tribal jurisdiction, ICWA, and tribal business matters.

The Cherokee Nation: A Sovereign Power

The Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States, with over 400,000 citizens. Its capital in Tahlequah creates a unique legal landscape where tribal, state, and federal law intersect.

Tribal Sovereignty

Tribes are sovereign nations with their own courts, laws, and government structure. Understanding Cherokee Nation's legal system is essential.

Tribal Supreme Court Justice

Our founding attorney serves on a Tribal Supreme Court, providing unique insight into how tribal courts operate and rule on complex matters.

Cultural Respect

We approach tribal matters with respect for tribal culture, history, and the unique relationship between tribes and the federal government.

Tribal Law Matters We Handle in Tahlequah

From ICWA cases to tribal business disputes, we bring Tribal Supreme Court experience to complex matters in Cherokee Nation territory.

ICWA Cases

Child custody proceedings involving Native American children and families

Jurisdiction Questions

Determining which court—tribal, state, or federal—has authority over your matter

Cherokee Nation Employment

Disputes involving tribal enterprises, casinos, hospitals, and government

Tribal Business

Contracts, disputes, and commercial matters involving Cherokee Nation entities

Sovereign Immunity

Understanding and navigating tribal sovereign immunity in civil matters

Tribal Court Practice

Representation in Cherokee Nation and other tribal courts

Oklahoma's Three-Sovereign System

In Oklahoma, particularly in Tahlequah and Cherokee Nation territory, three sovereigns exercise authority: the federal government, the State of Oklahoma, and tribal nations. Understanding which sovereign's law applies—and which court has jurisdiction—is critical to any legal matter.

Cherokee NationMcGirt v. OklahomaIndian CountryTribal CourtsFederal TrustICWA

Frequently Asked Questions

Tahlequah is the capital of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the United States. Following McGirt, Cherokee Nation exercises jurisdiction over a vast portion of northeast Oklahoma. This makes tribal law expertise essential for anyone living or working in the area.
ICWA is a federal law that governs child custody proceedings involving Native American children. It aims to keep children with their families and tribes. If your family is affected by an ICWA case, you need an attorney who understands both federal and tribal law.
The McGirt decision recognized the Cherokee Nation reservation as never having been disestablished. This means Cherokee Nation has jurisdiction over crimes committed by or against tribal members within the reservation boundaries. Civil jurisdiction is more nuanced.
Yes. Cherokee Nation operates numerous enterprises, from casinos to hospitals. We handle tribal employment disputes, contract issues, and other matters involving tribal enterprises with our unique judicial perspective.
Our founding attorney, D. Colby Addison, serves as a Tribal Supreme Court Justice. This judicial experience provides perspective on how tribal courts operate, what arguments succeed, and how to navigate the intersection of tribal, state, and federal law.

Tribal Law Matters Require Specialized Expertise.

Contact us for a consultation about your tribal law matter. Our Tribal Supreme Court Justice experience makes the difference.

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