The Eastern Band of Cherokee

As the Eastern Band of Cherokee in North Carolina struggles with issues of identity, government, and contemporary societal issues facing both the (Cherokee) Nation and the U.S, this federally recognized tribe is finding new ways to express itself. The heritage of the Cherokee is still being preserved, but as the Cherokee push on deeper into the 21st century, issues never before contemplated within the tribe are now being discussed. Issues like gay marriage, newfound ways of making money through industry, and "going green" are just a few of the initiatives looming over the Cherokee Nation in North Carolina.

Gay Marriage

Industry

Casino Renovation Project

Going Green / 2

Even though the internet provides an adequate forum of means of expression to the Cherokee, tribal leaders are still considered the voice of the people. Scheduled meetings and outreach to the community become easier than ever with technology.

But as technology progresses and Internet gambling gives the tribe more wealth, more and more Indians or non-Indians are attempting to acquire Cherokee citizenship. Most recently African-American Cherokee citizens are being ousted from the Cherokee community through the violation of the 1866 Treaty with the Cherokee. The "Freedmen" as they are known feel oppressed in the own community, while the Cherokee Native Americans say they have done nothing wrong and no treaty has been broken.

Time

NPR

Snow Owl

Washington Post

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Photographic series by Tammy Mercure, Big Rock Candy Mountain.

Excerpt from the film "Voices of North Carolina" from the North Carolina State University Language and Life Project.