The Echota Tribe of Alabama is a federally recognized Native American tribe with headquarters in Eclectic, Alabama. The tribe’s history is closely intertwined with the Cherokee Nation, the state of Georgia, and the city of Eclectic. The Echota Cherokee language is a member of the Iroquoian language family. The tribe’s current population is approximately 12,000.
The Echota Tribe of Alabama: Structure and Organization
The Echota Tribe of Alabama is a federally recognized Native American tribe located in Livingston, Alabama. The tribe has a rich history and culture, and its current structure reflects its unique identity and aspirations.
Governance
- The tribal government is led by a Chief, who is elected by the tribal membership for a four-year term.
- The Chief is assisted by a Council, which consists of eight members who are also elected for four-year terms.
- The Council meets regularly to discuss tribal affairs, make decisions, and provide guidance to the Chief.
Administration
- The tribe employs a professional staff responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations of the tribal government.
- The staff includes a Tribal Administrator, who oversees all administrative functions, as well as directors for various departments such as human resources, finance, and education.
- The tribe also operates several enterprises, including a casino, a resort, and a cultural center, which are managed by a separate board of directors.
Membership
- Membership in the Echota Tribe of Alabama is determined by lineage and descent from ancestors who were members of the Echota Cherokee Nation prior to 1838.
- To be eligible for membership, individuals must prove their lineage through genealogical records and documentation.
- The tribe maintains a Tribal Roll, which lists all enrolled members and their descendants.
Organization
- The tribe is organized into several clans, each with its own unique history and traditions.
- The clans play an important role in the tribe’s social and cultural life, providing a sense of community and belonging.
- The tribe also has a number of committees and task forces that address specific issues and projects.
Table: Tribal Government Structure
| Position | Term | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Chief | 4 years | Leads the tribe and represents its interests |
| Council | 4 years | Assists the Chief and makes decisions on tribal affairs |
| Tribal Administrator | Indefinite | Oversees the day-to-day operations of the tribal government |
| Department Directors | Indefinite | Manage specific departments within the tribal government |
| Enterprise Board of Directors | Indefinite | Manages the tribe’s various enterprises |
Question 1: What is the history of the Echota tribe of Alabama?
Answer:
The Echota tribe originated from the Cherokee Nation. They were forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands in Georgia to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in the 1830s during the Trail of Tears.
Question 2: What is the current status of the Echota tribe?
Answer:
The Echota tribe is a federally recognized Indian tribe with a reservation in Oklahoma. They have a population of approximately 2,000 people.
Question 3: What are the cultural traditions of the Echota tribe?
Answer:
The Echota tribe preserves its cultural traditions through language preservation, storytelling, traditional crafts such as pottery and basket making, and the stomp dance, a ceremonial social dance.
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