Five newcomers elected to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council
By Staff, Cherokee 411
Qualla Boundary, N.C. (September 8, 2025 )- Five newcomers, including four women, have been elected to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council, breaking an all-male hold on the body as voters cast ballots Thursday across the Qualla Boundary.
The unofficial results, reported by the tribally owned Cherokee One Feather, mark what editor Robert Jumper called a “historic” moment for the tribe.
“Our council has been all male for the past session,” Jumper said. “The unofficial results say we have four women in positions and one new man in Snowbird.”
The 12-member Tribal Council, elected every two years, serves as the legislative, quasi-judicial and executive authority of the tribe under its charter. Its decisions have far-reaching influence, with the tribe generating more than $2 billion annually from its two casinos and other enterprises, including North Carolina’s only legal marijuana dispensary that opened in 2024.
About 2,780 voters, or 30% of the 8,500 eligible tribal members, cast ballots in Thursday’s election, according to Jumper. That total—5,563 votes overall—represented lower-than-normal turnout but still produced sweeping change.
The races were closely contested, with at least three candidates—Jeff Thompson in Painttown, Joey Owle in Wolfetown and Patrick Lambert in Birdtown—falling within the margin to request a recount. Under tribal rules, recounts may be requested when the difference between candidates is 2% or less.
Election results will be certified in a special Tribal Council session no later than Sept. 30, with the inauguration set for Oct. 6.
Unofficial results reported by the Cherokee One Feather:
Kolanvyi (Big Cove): Lavita Hill 214; Venita K. Wolfe 168; Perry Shell (i) 132; Richard French 120
Tsisqwohi (Birdtown): Jim Owle (i) 471; Boyd Owle (i) 425; Patrick Lambert 417; Joi Owle 183
Aniwodihi (Painttown): Sean Michael Stamper (i) 273; Shannon Swimmer 166; Jeff Thompson 163; Bill Taylor 109
Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee County): Adam Wachacha (i) 213; Michael Smoker 185; Bucky Brown (i) 174; Janell Rattler 173
Wayohi (Wolftown): Bo Crowe (i) 505; Mike Parker (i) 328; Joey Owle 320; Glenn Bradley 142
Elawodi (Yellowhill): David Wolfe (i) 204; Shennelle Feather 185; Tom Wahnetah (i) 170; Chris Reed 123
School Board Results:
Wolftown/Big Y: Berdie Toineeta (i) 319; Timmy Ray Smith 206
Birdtown: Melanie Lambert (i) 416; Gloria “Punkin” Griffin 355
