Cherokee, N.C. – Last week, Principal Chief Michell Hicks traveled to Oklahoma alongside members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Council to meet with leadership from the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.
The EBCI delegation included Council Members Boyd Owle, Jim Owle, Michael Stamper, Perry Shell, and Tribal Council Chairman Michael Parker.
“I want to thank Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and United Keetoowah Band Chief Jeff Wacoche for meeting with us and for their continued leadership,” said Chief Hicks. “These meetings were a reminder of the importance of collaboration and maintaining strong government-to-government relationships with our sister tribes.”
As part of the visit, leaders discussed shared priorities and the need for a united front in addressing challenges facing federally recognized tribes, including the rise of state-recognized groups falsely claiming Indigenous identity and Sovereignty.
“As we continue to see state-recognized and other splinter groups make false claims to Indigenous identity and attempt to bypass the federal acknowledgment process, we must work together to protect the integrity of Tribal sovereignty,” Chief Hicks added.
In addition to formal meetings, the delegation also took time to support cultural initiatives such as the RTR Riders initiative aimed at honoring and preserving Cherokee history.
“Our leadership remains focused on protecting who we are, advocating for our people, and ensuring that our story and truth is told by us,” said Chief Hicks.
The visit reflects the EBCI’s commitment to defending sovereignty, building unity among the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes, and promoting cultural and political strength through partnership.
