- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Google Maps took notice of the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision on July 9, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress never “disestablished” the 1866 boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose territory encompasses three million acres and includes most of the city of Tulsa.
"Google Maps aims to provide the freshest, most accurate map possible. In response to July's Supreme Court decision, we worked to evaluate authoritative data and then used this information to add labels and borders for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Seminole reservations to Google Maps. These reservations are now viewable and searchable on Google Maps," Raleigh Seamster, program manager for Google Maps said.
Google Maps’ efforts are appreciated by the Cherokee Nation.
“After the monumental US Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v Oklahoma, we’ve had many questions about our reservation boundaries, which always existed on paper maps. Now that our reservation is labeled on Google Maps, it’s easy for people around the world to search and see our reservation boundaries,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.
The Cherokee Nation reservation boundaries include 7,000 miles in northeastern Oklahoma.
Cherokee Nation citizen Joseph Erb provided feedback about the reservation mapping project, which includes mapping for all Five Civilized Tribes.
“It is an exciting step forward to be included on the map,” Erb said. “This is a visual reminder that our nation is still here and a contemporary Indigenous nation of the continent.”
CLICK to view the Cherokee Nation reservation on Google Maps.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
NDN Collective Names Former Interior Department Official As President
Shadiin Garcia Named Executive Director of Native Women Lead
Trump Brings “Removal” President Andrew Jackson Back to the Oval Office
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
