1. Correspondence Regarding the Appointment of a New Principal Chief for the Choctaw Nation in 1946 Identifier: CAC_CC_053_12_11_13_0017 Contributing Institution: Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Collection: John William "Elmer" Thomas Collection Title: Correspondence Regarding the Appointment of a New Principal Chief for the Choctaw Nation in 1946 Date: 1946-05-31 Creator: Belvin, Harry J.W., 1900-1986 Names: Creek Nation, Cherokee Nation, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Topic: Indians of North America--Oklahoma Congress: 79th (1945-1947)
![["The letter is from J.H. Belvin of Durant, Oklahoma, regarding his candidacy for appointment as Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation. He expresses concern that current Chief Durant has been promised the appointment and urges Senator Elmer Thomas to support holding an official nominating convention to allow the tribe to have a voice in selecting their Chief. Belvin highlights the importance of democratic principles and the need for the tribe to have a say in their leadership. He also mentions the voting power of the Choctaw and Chickasaw people in elections and requests Senator Thomas' support in advocating for their right to choose their Chief through a fair and democratic process."]](https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/John%20William%20Elmer%20Thomas%20Collection/CAC_CC_053_12_11_13_0000-Indian%20Affairs,%20Choctaw%20Principal%20Chief,%201944-1946/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_053_12_11_13_0017_thumbnail.jpg "Correspondence Regarding the Appointment of a New Principal Chief for the Choctaw Nation in 1946")