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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting those challenging an initiative petition calling for a vote of the people on a proposed "English only" law. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma's Principal Chief, Chad Smith, said that the proposed law would restrict American Indian rights and would violate the U.S. Native American Languages Act, as well as, tribal agreements made prior to statehood.

On Monday, December 4, 2000 the CNO filed the brief with the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which is where the petition is being challenged. The Secretary of State's Office certified a total of 100,666 signatures on the proposed state question.

The proposed law, being challenged, would ban expenditures on any transactions for documents or providing interpreters for any government business.