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An investigation by the Los Angeles Times found the federal government and 18 states awarded at least $300 million in construction contracts to companies that claim to be owned by Native Americans. The contracts are specifically reserved for minority business owners. But the contractors’ heritage claims are unsubstantiated. The contractors say they are members of Cherokee groups like the Northern Cherokee Nation of the Old Louisiana Territory and the Northern Cherokee Nation which are not federally recognized. The investigation into the business owners awarded the contracts found no Cherokee relatives. We’ll talk about the investigation with one of the reporters and explore who qualifies for minority contracts.
Guests:
Adam Elmahrek – investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times
David Cornsilk (Cherokee Nation/United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indian in Oklahoma) – historian and genealogist
Sean McCabe (Diné) – managing shareholder of McCabe CPA
Break 1 Music: Intertribal (song) Cree Confederation (artist) Pakosiyimitan (album)
Break 2 Music: Niizh Straight (song) Niizhoo Sullivan (artist) Rez Kid Rhythm (album)
Thank you for an excellent program. Discussion of this topic is long overdue. Thanks to all three contributors, especially David Cornsilk who has worked tirelessly to address issues of fraudulent Indian representation for many years.