Investigating Oklahoma Tribes' Eligibility for Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, 1981-06-15

The letter is a response to concerns raised by Chief Claude A. Cox of the Muskogee Creek Nation regarding the eligibility of Oklahoma tribes to participate in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. The regulations require that tribes must have a geographically defined area where a tribal organization exercises governmental jurisdiction in order to be eligible. Since the Oklahoma tribes did not meet these criteria, they were deemed ineligible. The Department of Agriculture is further researching the issue and has set up a meeting to discuss potential solutions. The letter expresses appreciation for the Congressman's interest in the program and invites further inquiries.