Government

Learn About the Cherokee Government and our Proud History

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Cherokee is a sovereign nation, meaning it has its own laws, elections, government, institutions, and the like. Though it certainly has relationships with the United States federal government and the North Carolina state government that are vitally important, students and the general population may be interested to know that the Cherokees are self-governed and autonomous.

Located in Cherokee, North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians were once part of a much larger Cherokee Nation population. However, when the Trail of Tears was mandated, and forced removal and relocation were directed by the US government and then President Andrew Jackson, the Cherokee Tribe became divided into what is known today as the Cherokee Nation and United Kituwah Band, located in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band, made up of those who remained and rebuilt within North Carolina’s Qualla Boundary (sometimes called the Cherokee Indian Reservation).

The Eastern Band has always been led by vision and strength. The following is a listing of all the Principal Chiefs in the history of the EBCI:

Yonaguska
William Holland Thomas
Salonitah (or Flying Squirrel)
Lloyd R. Welch
Nimrod Jarrett Smith
Stillwell Saunooke
Andy Standing Deer
Jesse Reed
Bird Saloloneeta (or Young Squirrel)
John Goins Welch
Joseph A. Saunooke
David Blythe
Sampson Owl
John A. Tahquette

Jarret Blythe
Henry Bradley
Osley Bird Saunooke
Walter Jackson
Noah Powell
John A. Crowe
Robert S. Youngdeer
Jonathan L. Taylor
Gerard Parker
Joyce Dugan
Leon Jones
Michell Hicks
Patrick Lambert
Richard Sneed

Principal Chief Michell Hicks

Michell Hicks, CPA, was recently reelected as Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians by an overwhelming majority.

Hicks previously served 3 terms as Principal Chief and is a former Executive Director of Budget and Finance. Michell led the 15,000-member tribe through a period of remarkable economic development and cultural advancement. During his time in office, Michell has displayed significant foresight and resolve in the financial and strategic progress of the tribe. He has also established himself as a national leader in Indian country.

Michell is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 2015 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of North Carolina – Asheville. Michell and his wife, Marsha, reside in Cherokee with their five children: Savannah, Noah, Lynsey, Amaya and Marlee.

Chief’s Office Contact List

Michell Hicks, Principal Chief
88 Council House Loop
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 497-7000

Paxton Myers
Chief of Staff

Pam Straughan
Deputy Chief of Staff
(828) 359-7002
pamstraughan@ebci-nsn.gov

Rae Queen
Executive Assistant
(828) 359-7009
raequeen1@ebci-nsn.gov

Whitney Lowe
Fiscal Specialist
(828) 359-7003
whitneylowe@ebci-nsn.gov

Melah Perkins
Constituent Services
(828) 359-7017
melaperk@ebci-nsn.gov

Please send all General Media Inquiries or Speaking Requests to:

Sheyahshe Littledave
Public Relations Officer
(828) 359-7007
sheylitt@ebci-nsn.gov

Driver Blythe
Public Relations Assistant
(828) 359-7016
drivblyt@ebci-nsn.gov

Vice Chief Alan B Ensley

Alan B Ensley was raised in the Big Y Community. He and his wife, Libby, reside in the Snowbird Community. Together they have five children, Noon, Cody, Kirstie, Timiyah, and Kellen. They also have eight grandchildren. B is the son of the late Charlie and Edgarita Ensley.

Vice Chief Ensley is a proud alumni of Cherokee High School. After school he chose to work in the family logging business where he learned the value of hard work. Vice Chief has carried that work ethic with him through his service to the people of The Eastern Band of Cherokee.

Alan B Ensley has served The Eastern Band of Cherokee as Vice Chief since 2017. Prior to becoming Vice Chief, he served as Tribal Council Representative for the Yellowhill Community from 1995-2017. He has served as Tribal Council Vice Chairman as well as chairman of various committees including the Enrollment Committee, Roads Commission, Timber Committee, Qualla Housing Board, and Planning Board. He currently serves on the Executive, Education, and Community Services Committees.

Vice Chief takes great pride in staying active in each community, and being in touch with the people through community involvement.