1.  Who are the Cherokee Freedmen?

2.  What ruling has the Cherokee Nation made regarding the Freedmen?

3.  How does the ruling affect the Freedmen? (See "Background" below the questions.)

4.  How has the federal government responded to the Cherokee Nation's decision?

5.  The Cherokee Nation says it will not be governed by the BIA.  What do you think of their decision and their response to defy the BIA's opposition to their decision?