Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama
CTNEAL has more than 3,000 members, most living within the state of Alabama. The state-recognized tribe has a constitution that governs the leadership government and members. It elects a Principal Chief, two Vice Chiefs as well as a tribal Council. Elections are held every four years. The tribes history predates 1980. CTNEAL members identify as being of Cherokee descent. As members of a state-recognized tribe, CTNEAL individuals are eligible to participate in organizations such as the National Congress of American Indians. They can market their arts and crafts as being Native American or American Indian–made under the 1990 Indian Arts and Crafts Act but they are not eligible for federal benefits. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation have listed the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama as a fraudulent group. In 1980, the Cherokees of Jackson County Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Edna Fowler, based in Boaz, Alabama, was the registered agent as of 2018. The nonprofit legally changed names in 1983 and 1997. The tribe was formally known as Cherokees of Jackson County. Under the leadership of Dr. Lindy Martin, the group changed its name. As the tribe grew in membership, it changed its name to the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama to reflect a larger geographic area. The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama sent a letter of intent to petition for federal recognition in 1981. However, the tribe has not proceeded with submitting a completed petition for federal recognition. The tribe and 501c3 are involved with many events and services not limited to the following; community, school, art, demonstrations, health information and Native American activities. Events and activities are held in and out of the state. The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama requires all potential members to have verifiable Cherokee descent. The rolls are open to any person who can document Cherokee ancestry. It does not require a minimum blood quantum. In addition to verifiable, lineal descent from a Cherokee ancestor(s), CTNEAL also has a residency requirement for membership. CTNEAL requires that potential members meet at least one of three requirements; Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama struggles with trying to help their members. Many who live below the poverty line and have inadequate housing, medical needs, and high school dropout rates. Other issues include everyday needs such as food, water, heat, cooling, electricity, transportation, rent assistance, and much more. The tribe is looking for ways in which to help members.
Organization
The Cherokee Tribe of Northeast Alabama (CTNEAL), formerly the Cherokees of Jackson County, is a state-recognized tribe in Alabama. They have about 3,000 members. The tribe has a representative on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission and the Inter-Tribal Council of Alabama. They are not federally recognized as a Native American tribe.