Since 2000, there have been 145 people excluded from tribal lands and life. As far as we can determine, none of those have been enrolled members of the Eastern Cherokee people. That’s 6.7 people on average for the 22 years that the law has been in force.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Public Health and Human Services Division has been diligent in providing statistics to let us know how many of us have been infected and affected by COVID-19. They have also made certain that we know where to test, how to vaccinate, and who should vaccinate.

I agree that the name ‘Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ (EBCI) doesn’t seem to fit quite right. It’s a thought I’ve had before, and I find the conversation interesting.

At our next tribal election, you will be making a decision that will affect how we are governed. You might say that we do that every election and to a certain extent, you would be right. Deciding who will sit in the seats of power is a decision that has lasting impact on our community.

Allow me to propose an idea…I’ve thought a lot about the history of our Tribe and our joint history with the other two Cherokee Tribes and feel like the name that we ultimately adopted (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) is not truly who we are.