1. Choctaw Tribe's Controversial Election of Principal Chief Identifier: CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0001 Contributing Institution: Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK Collection: Carl Albert Collection Title: Choctaw Tribe's Controversial Election of Principal Chief Date: 1951-01-01 Creator: unknown Policy Area: Native Americans Names: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Topic: Indians of North America--Oklahoma, Indians of North America--Claims, Campaign management--United States Congress: 82nd (1951-1953)
![["The document discusses the Choctaw tribe's election process for selecting a principal chief. Harry J. W. Belvin is recommended for the position, receiving the most votes in a mail referendum. The Choctaws have not always been pleased with chiefs selected for them by the secretary of interior. The tribe's progressive nature and involvement in business and official circles is highlighted. The interior secretary has the power to appoint a chief, and Belvin's appointment will be evaluated before a decision is made. The Choctaws also voted on whether the chief should be paid and had varied opinions on the matter."]](https://jones-2.s3.amazonaws.com/Carl%20Albert%20Collection,%201947-1977/Departmental,%201945-1976%20(CAC_CC_001_4_0000_0000)/CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0000-Interior%20Choctaw%20Chief%20Election%20Constituent%20Concern%20with%20Method%20of%20Selection%201952/Thumbnails/CAC_CC_001_4_13_74_0001_thumbnail.jpg "Choctaw Tribe's Controversial Election of Principal Chief")