Cherokee delegate cannot represent all tribes

The Delaware Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe that is the successor in interest to the historic Delaware Nation. We signed the first treaty between the United States and a Native American tribe, the Treaty of Fort Pitt, on September 17, 1778. In the last article of the treaty, the United States recognizes the sovereignty of the Delaware Nation and promises us a delegate to Congress. I am the elected President of the Nation of Delaware, and we wish to exercise a right of treaty.

The history of the Treaty of Fort Pitt is central to understanding why chiefs demanded a delegate to Congress and why the United States agreed to our demand. In the fall of 1778, the United States sent a treaty commission to negotiate the first treaty with the leaders of Delaware. The newly independent United States was desperate for Native American allies to help fight the British forces and move troops safely through the territory of Delaware. At that time, the British controlled several major ports and forts across the territory of Delaware. In addition to safe passage, the Delaware Nation provided the Continental Army with corn, meat, horses, and other support for the war effort. We also gave warriors to the United States to help them in their struggle for independence.

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The Treaty documents this history and confirms that our assistance has been of great importance to the peace and security of the United States….