"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN and EBCI Councils to Meet

CATOOSA, OK - The Tribal Councils of the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be having their annual Joint Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 9, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Casino and Resort in Catoosa.

The two Councils have been meeting annually since 1983 to discuss issues and pass resolutions that are important to Cherokees across the U.S.

“We are pleased to jointly work in harmony on items of great importance to both of us,” said Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Speaker Meredith Frailey of Mayes County. “We believe our joint efforts can have a profound effect in the future direction of self-determination. We look forward to celebrating the sovereign status of our two nations.”

The forced removal of the Cherokees beginning in 1838 separated the vast majority of the Cherokee people from their kinsmen who remained in the east. Over time, common interests and goals remained to bond the Cherokee people together despite the separation, and the groups agreed to participate in an annual meeting of the two Councils.

“The Joint Tribal Council Meeting is designed to build on past Joint Council work and bring value to the people of both great Nations,” said Cherokee Nation Tribal Council Deputy Speaker Cara Cowan-Watts of Rogers County. “We are looking forward to affirmation of our shared values and goals.”