Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard Sneed was elected for a four-year term as principal chief last Thursday. Chief Sneed was elected with 55 percent of the vote, defeating Teresa McCoy.
The elections were open to enrolled members of the EBCI.
“It is a great honor to have been elected to serve the people of the Eastern Band as their Principal Chief,” said Sneed. “Our tribe has seen significant growth in recent years and it’s important to continue stabilizing our government as we continue to grow – recognizing our meaningful history with North Carolina while building a strong future for our community.”
Chief Sneed’s race was part of a slate of elections for the tribe, including Alan B. Ensley who was elected Vice Chief over Jim Owle.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is one of three federally-recognized Cherokee Tribes, including the Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, both located in Oklahoma. The Eastern Band is made up of those who remained and rebuilt within North Carolina’s Qualla Boundary, sometimes called the Cherokee Indian Reservation. There are over 15,000 enrolled members of the EBCI located in Cherokee and throughout the state.
Other winners include: Richard French, Big Cove Council; Bo Crowe, Big Y/Wolfetown Council; Boyd Owle, Birdtown Council; Dike Sneed, Painttown Council; David T. Wolfe, Yellowhill Council; Adam Wachacha, Snowbird/Cherokee County Council; Tara Reed-Cooper, Big Y School Board; Regina Ledford-Rosario, Painttown School Board; Jennifer Thompson, Yellowhill School Board.
“I congratulate all the candidates who chose to pursue running in this important political process. And for those who were elected alongside me, I look forward to working with each of you to continue our tribe’s progress in the years ahead,” said Sneed.
