The recent withdrawal of the Cherokee Nation from the Tri-Council, a body formed by the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes—the Cherokee Nation CNO, the United Keetoowah Band UKB, and the Eastern Band of Cherokees EBCI—has highlighted ongoing tensions, particularly between the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band. These differences stem from disagreements over issues like sovereignty and treaty rights.
Mike Shambaugh, Speaker of the Cherokee Nation’s Council, expressed frustration with the UKB’s attacks on Cherokee Nation sovereignty during meetings.
The Cherokee Nation, which is the largest of the three tribes, emphasized that the Tri-Council was intended to foster cooperation, but instead became a forum for repeated criticisms. Shambaugh noted that, during past annual meetings, discussions often revolved around defending the tribe’s treaty rights against the UKB’s position.
In response, the UKB has criticized the Cherokee Nation’s decision to withdraw, accusing Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. of exacerbating the tensions.
A UKB spokesperson reaffirmed the tribe’s commitment to collaboration with the Eastern Band, stating that both tribes would continue their work together through the Tri-Council, while leaving the door open for the Cherokee Nation to return when its leadership is ready to cooperate.
These disagreements are not limited to sovereignty issues; they also touch on law enforcement and health system funding.
The UKB’s decision to fund its own contract health system and disagreements regarding law enforcement have further strained relations within the Tri-Council, illustrating broader challenges faced by the Cherokee tribes in navigating their complex political dynamics.