The EBCI signed the Accord Agreement with fellow USET founders, reaffirming unity, sovereignty, and shared commitment to tribal self-determination and community well-being.

By Staff, Cherokee 411
CHEROKEE, N.C. —

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) joined three other founding members of the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) in signing a historic Accord Agreement this month, reaffirming their shared commitment to unity, sovereignty, and mutual support.

The formal treaty was signed during a special ceremony that brought together leadership from the EBCI, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. These four nations originally founded USET in 1969 to strengthen inter-tribal collaboration and advocacy.

EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks called the agreement “a powerful reminder of our shared values and our responsibility to protect tribal sovereignty and uplift our people.”

The Accord is intended to formalize decades of cooperation among the founding tribes, reinforcing their partnership in areas such as healthcare, education, governance, and cultural preservation.

“Together, we have shown that when tribal nations work in unity, we are stronger—politically, culturally, and economically,” Hicks said.

The agreement arrives at a time when tribal leaders across the U.S. continue to advocate for greater recognition of their sovereign rights and increased federal support. USET now represents more than 30 federally recognized tribes across the southern and eastern United States, though its roots lie in the foundational alliance of these four nations.

The signing ceremony was held on the Qualla Boundary, the historic homeland of the EBCI, and featured traditional blessings, remarks from each tribal leader, and a call to continue strengthening inter-tribal bonds for future generations.