Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama

The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama (CTNEAL), formerly the Cherokees of Jackson County, is a state-recognized Native American tribe of about 3,000 members. The tribe is recognized by the State of Alabama, and has a representative on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission and the Inter-Tribal Council of Alabama. It is one of nine state-recognized tribes but is not federally recognized.

Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama
Total population
3,000+
Regions with significant populations
United States ( Alabama)
Languages
English, Cherokee

They have submitted a petition for federal recognition.[1]

Government

CTNEAL has more than 3,000 enrolled members, most living within the state of Alabama.[2] The tribe passed a constitution for representative government. It elects a Principal Chief, two Vice Chiefs as well as a tribal Council. Elections are held every four years.[2]

Establishment and name

The tribe was formally known as Cherokees of Jackson County. Under the leadership of Dr. Lindy Martin, the group changed its name and formed a non-profit corporation to handle the business aspects separate from the tribe on December 11, 1980. The non-profit is the Cherokees of Jackson County.

As the tribe grew in membership, it changed its name to the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama to reflect a larger geographic area. It operates under a tribal constitution and owns a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation.[2]

Tribal events

The tribe hosts and takes part in many community, school, and Native American events in and out of the State. .[2]

Membership criteria

The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama requires all potential members to have verifiable Cherokee descent. The rolls are open to any person who can document Cherokee ancestry. It does not require a minimum blood quantum.[2]

In addition to verifiable, lineal descent from a Cherokee ancestor(s), CTNEAL also has a residency requirement for membership. CTNEAL requires that potential members meet at least one of three requirements;

  • Reside within the state of Alabama
  • Reside within a 500-miles radius of Pinson, Alabama
  • Descend from an enrolled CTNEAL citizen who lives/lived within Alabama or the residency radius.

Issues

CTNEAL considers its citizens to be what the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs defines as Category IV Cherokee descendants.[3] As members of a state-recognized tribe, CTNEAL individuals are eligible to participate in organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians. They can identify as Native Americans under the US Indian Arts and Crafts Act when selling crafts or art, but they are not eligible for other federal benefits.

See also

References
  1. "Petitions for Federal Recognition". 500nations.com. Archived from the original on 2012-07-23. Retrieved 2015-12-30.
  2. "The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama". State of Alabama Indian Affairs Commission. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  3. http://www.doi.gov/tribes/cherokee.cfm


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