Cherokee Tribe
of
Northeast Alabama
P.O. Box 66 Grant, AL 35747
The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama is one of the nine tribes recognized by the State of Alabama with representation on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission. Tribal membership currently consists of over 4000 members.
The Tribal Officers consist of a Principal Chief, 1st Vice Chief, 2nd Vice Chief, Secretary and Treasurer. The Tribal Council is made up of seven Council Representatives to represent the seven districts of the tribe. The council meets every three months and all members are encouraged to attend.
The tribe was incorporated on December 11, 1980 with Dr. Lindy Martin serving as Principal Chief. At that time the tribe was known as the Cherokees of Jackson County.
In 1997, under the leadership of Chief Jim "White Eagle" Pell, the tribal name was officially changed to Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama. Chief Pell, known to many as "Grandfather Pell", worked many years for the betterment of the tribe and continues to serve as a role model for todays leaders. After retiring as Chief, he continued to serve as Head Elder of our Elders Council until he began his final journey March 4, 2005. He was a great inspiration to us all.
Chief Charlene Tuckaleeche Story was elected to the office of Principal Chief in 1999 after the retirement of Chief Pell. It was under her leadership that the tribe began making a conscious effort to locate land to purchase in order to provide a home base for our people. Chief Story spent the majority of her term in office devoted to finding a place the tribe could call home while constantly working for the betterment of the tribe. After retiring from her position as Principal Chief in 2003, she remains an important figure in the tribe today offering assistance and advice when needed. In April 2007, she began serving as the Head Elder of the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama Elders Council.
Chief Alton McAllister became Principal Chief in 2003. His term in office was short lived due to terminal illness but his memory will remain forever within the tribe. He shared the same dream of land ownership as those before him and through his generosity and help, that dream became a reality. The property purchased under his leadership is now known as Cedar Winds and it will always serve as a reminder of this great leader.
After the untimely death of Chief McAllister, Chief Cindy Samples was appointed by the Tribal Council to serve the remainder of the term after previously serving on the Tribal Council under the leadership of Chief Jim Pell and Chief Charlene Story as well as 1st Vice Chief under the leadership of Chief McAllister. Under her leadership, Cedar Winds RV Park & Campground opened to the public in May 2006. In March 2007, she was re-elected by the tribal membership to serve another term as Principal Chief. Due to health problems, she was forced to retire February 24, 2008 but continues to serve as an advisor to current and future administrations.
After the retirement of Chief Samples, the Tribal Council appointed Chief Stan Long to serve the remainder of the term. Chief Long's leadership ability, as evidenced through his previous experience serving on the Tribal Council and later as 2nd Vice Chief, made him an excellent choice to fulfill the responsibilities of the position as Principal Chief. He is dedicated to the advancement of the tribe and continues to move forward with the completion of the Cedar Winds Complex.
Head Warrior is Charles Thunder Eagle. The Warrior Society of the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama represents the tribe in all tribal events.
Our tribe supports and hosts an American Indian Festival (powwow) each year at Cavern Cove near Woodville, Alabama. This festival is held on the third weekend of May and is open to the public and all Native Americans. All tribal members are encouraged to attend this festival.
In summary, the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of our people while continously moving forward into the future.
