From left: United South and Eastern Tribes President Brian Patterson (Oneida Indian Nation – New York), former USET President Eddie Tullis (Poarch Band of Creek Indians), Lakota/Dakota/Nakota Chief Arvol Looking Horse and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Patrick Lambert participate in passing of the ceremonial fire as USET opened its annual meeting in Cherokee, North Carolina, on October 24, 2016. As the host of the last USET meeting, the Poarch Band was responsible for passing the fire to the Eastern Band. Photo courtesy USET
The United South and Eastern Tribes kicked off its annual Sovereignty Protection Fund meeting on Monday. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is hosting the meeting on its reservation in North Carolina. Leaders of 26 tribes, from Maine to Florida to Texas, are hearing updates on key issues like economic development, health care and the Dakota Access Pipeline. "I have great confidence in all of us that we will continue to evolve, grow, and strengthen as an organization and as tribal nations," USET President Brian Patterson, a member of the Oneida Nation, said in his opening remarks. "While here in the mountain region of the Qualla Indian Boundary we take the opportunity to build on our strength in unity.” The meeting concludes on Wednesday. Read More on the Story:
USET Annual Meeting opens in Cherokee (The Cherokee One Feather 10/24)
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