EBCI delegation meets with Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band in Oklahoma

Cherokee Reservation, Oklahoma (Cherokee411) — A delegation from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians traveled to Oklahoma in June to meet with leadership from the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.

The EBCI delegation included Tribal Council Members Boyd Owle, Jim Owle, Michael Stamper, Perry Shell and Tribal Council Chairman Michael Parker. The meetings focused on strengthening government-to-government relationships and building unity among the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes.

“These meetings were a reminder of the importance of collaboration and maintaining strong government-to-government relationships with our sister tribes,” said Principal Chief Michell Hicks.

Discussions included shared priorities such as defending tribal sovereignty and addressing the rise of state-recognized and unrecognized groups making false claims to Indigenous identity.

“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,” Hicks said.

The delegation also supported cultural initiatives, including the RTR Riders project, which aims to honor and preserve 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,” Hicks said.