There are three federally recognized Cherokee tribes in the United States. Each of them determines their own citizenship requirements. For the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, you must be able to trace your lineage to someone on the Baker Roll of 1924 and have at least 1/16 blood quantum. You can reach out to each tribe’s Enrollment Office for assistance, and MotCP also provides genealogical services.

Before the Cherokee were forcibly removed in the 1830s, Cherokee territory covered what is now eight states. Over the course of many years of work and negotiation to regain some of those lands, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is now headquartered on the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina. Because this land was purchased by the EBCI, it is held in trust, and is not a reservation.

Strategically, the land purchased by the EBCI includes sacred sites and our mothertown, which is where we originate. We are of this place, and consider it an honor and a responsibility to care for it for all Cherokee people.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is one of 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, and one of three federally recognized Cherokee tribes. This nation-to-nation relationship is commonly referred to as sovereignty. Tribal governments manage their own tribe’s resources and distribute these resources in services such as schools, health care, and police and fire. We hold elections for leadership and each tribe determines citizenship qualifications.

It is not always easy to navigate Cherokee, North Carolina to find authentically made items. Asking about the artist or maker is a start, but there are also shops that make a point to clearly identify Cherokee-made art. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual is an artist co-op consisting of around 300 Cherokee artists where you are guaranteed to find something made by a citizen of the EBCI.