United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe is a federally recognized tribe with its capital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is one of three federally recognized Cherokee tribes, along with the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe has a rich history, with ancestral ties to the Cherokee Nation and the Trail of Tears, a brutal forced relocation of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. The tribe is named after the Kituhwa town in North Carolina, which was an important Cherokee town and the birthplace of the Cherokee syllabary, created by Sequoyah.

● History

The history of the tribe dates back to the 19th century, when a group of Cherokee people from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians migrated to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, to escape the Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson. The tribe has a long and complex history, with ties to the Cherokee Nation and the Creek Nation, and has been involved in several significant events, including the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. The tribe has also been influenced by the Dawes Act and the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which aimed to promote tribal self-governance and economic development. Notable figures such as Wilma Mankiller, a Cherokee Nation politician, and Wiley Post, a famous Oklahoma aviator, have also played a role in shaping the tribe's history.

● Government

The tribe is governed by a Constitution, which was adopted in 1950 and has undergone several amendments since then. The tribe has a Tribal Council, which is composed of representatives elected by the tribal members, and a Principal Chief, who serves as the head of the tribe. The tribe is also a member of the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, which aims to promote cooperation and coordination among the Five Civilized Tribes, including the Cherokee Nation, the Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation, the Creek Nation, and the Seminole Nation. The tribe has also been involved in several notable court cases, including the Cherokee Nation v. Georgia and the Worcester v. Georgia cases, which have helped to establish the tribe's sovereignty and rights.

● Culture

The tribe has a rich and vibrant culture, with a strong emphasis on traditional Cherokee values and customs. The tribe celebrates several important holidays and events, including the Cherokee National Holiday and the Gathering of Nations, a large powwow that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The tribe is also known for its traditional Cherokee art, including basketry, pottery, and woodcarving, and has a strong tradition of Cherokee music and Cherokee dance. Notable Cherokee artists, such as Will Sampson and Wes Studi, have also made significant contributions to the tribe's cultural heritage. The tribe has also been influenced by the Native American Church and the Peyote religion, which have played a significant role in shaping the tribe's spiritual practices.

● Tribal Enrollment

To be eligible for tribal enrollment, individuals must be able to demonstrate a direct lineal descent from a Cherokee ancestor who was listed on the Dawes Rolls or other official tribal records. The tribe has a Tribal Enrollment Office, which is responsible for processing enrollment applications and maintaining the tribe's membership records. The tribe also has a Tribal Registry, which is a database of all enrolled tribal members. Notable Cherokee leaders, such as John Ross and Stand Watie, have also played a role in shaping the tribe's enrollment policies and procedures.

● Economic Development

The tribe has a diverse economy, with a strong emphasis on tribal gaming, tourism, and agriculture. The tribe operates several casinos, including the Keetoowah Casino and the Tahlequah Casino, which generate significant revenue for the tribe. The tribe also has a Tribal Development Corporation, which is responsible for promoting economic development and job creation within the tribe. The tribe has also been involved in several notable economic development projects, including the Cherokee Nation Enterprises and the Oklahoma Native American Business Network. Notable Oklahoma businesses, such as Chesapeake Energy and Devon Energy, have also partnered with the tribe on various economic development initiatives.

● Land and Geography

The tribe has a significant land base, with over 94,000 acres of trust land and fee simple land in Oklahoma. The tribe's land is located in several counties, including Adair County, Oklahoma, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, and Delaware County, Oklahoma. The tribe also has a Tribal Land Office, which is responsible for managing the tribe's land and natural resources. The tribe has also been involved in several notable land use planning initiatives, including the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan and the Cherokee Nation Comprehensive Plan. Notable Oklahoma landmarks, such as the Wichita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest, are also located near the tribe's land base. Category:Cherokee