The
legal clinic was a great honor and learning experience for all of us,
and some of us were treated even more when we got a chance to sit in on a Tribal Council meeting. While we were in between clients, Judge
Saunooke offered to take five of us to a Tribal Council meeting so we could
observe the Eastern Band Cherokee government at work. The Tribal
Council is a group of twelve representatives. Representatives are elected based on townships with two each coming from Yellowhill, Big Cove, Birdtown, Wolftown, and Painttown and one each from Snowbird and Cherokee County community. They form the legislative
body of the government and their regular meetings at the Tribal Council
House are open to the public and broadcast live on a local television
station.
EBCI Tribal Council Meeting
When we arrived at the
meeting, Judge Saunooke ushered us into a seat near the middle the room.
Council members sat facing one another on a stage at the front of the
room while cameras on each wall captured their
every move for broadcast. Tribal Treasurer Cory Blankenship was
discussing enterprise investments with the Council. It was clear that
members were very passionate about making safe investments that
benefited the Tribe and the greater community. They are also
focused on keeping spending low and making careful, wise investments. As
the Council was about to take a break, Judge Saunooke stood up to
announce our presence to the Council. Without much notice, the five of
us went before the council (and the cameras) to
introduce ourselves and thank the Cherokee for the opportunity to visit.
Judge Saunooke then
introduced us to Chief Michael Hicks. He took us into his office and
thanked us for our service. I felt lucky to be given the opportunity to
get such a personal view of the Tribal government.
Group visit to the Tribal Council
Posted by Kathleen A. Lockwood on Sat. January 12, 2013 9:58 AM
Categories:
Winter Break Trip 2013