; and the treaty relative thereto being so plain that no one can mistake or misunderstand it. I allude particularly to those known as the McGilvery or McGilbrey Freedmen whom we know belonged to our own people, were here within our country when the treaty was made and have remained among us ever since. I would recommend if necessary that some action be had recognizing the rights of all who under the treaty are entitled to citizenship and equal rights and privileges with us. . (27) Between 1867 and 1895, the Creek Nation created numerous rolls of its citizens. None of these rolls created by the Creek Nation contained or listed blood quantum, or singled out Creeks of African descent, Free Black Creek Citizens, or former enslaved Africans who were emancipated and accepted as Creek citizens pursuant to the Treaty of 1866. (28) Between 1866 and 1906, Creeks of African descent were an essential part of the Creek Nation community, as evidenced by their service in important and high positions in the Creek Nation’s government and other areas of Creek life. (29) In 1887, Congress passed the Dawes Act of 1887 ( Dawes Act ). (30) The stated purpose of the Dawes Act was to prepare Indian Territory for statehood. To this end, the Dawes Act authorized the transfer of most of the land owned corporately by the Creek Nation to individual Tribal citizens. (31) After the passing of the Dawes Act, Congress created the Dawes Commission in 1893. Congress tasked the Dawes Commission with identifying all Creek citizens eligible for land allotment in what would come to be known as the Dawes Rolls . (32) Congress then passed the Curtis Act of June 28, 1898 (30 Stat. 495) ( Curtis Act ), directing the Dawes Commission to create 2 lists of citizens of the Creek Nation who would be eligible for land allotment, which became the following: (A) The Creek Nation Creek Roll , which was purportedly composed only of Creek Nation citizens with Creek blood. (B) The Creek Nation Freedmen Roll , which was purportedly composed only Creek Nation citizens