02/16/2026
Happy 1st Annual Principal Chief's Day from Cherokee Historical Association!
Last week, tribal council approved a resolution to celebrate Principal Chief's Day in conjunction with Presidents' Day
The resolution states "The position of Principal Chief is a time-honored institution in Cherokee society, reflecting a legacy of servant leadership, vision, and dedication to the well-being of the Cherokee people since time immemorial. Presidents' Day is a federal holiday that honors the presidents of the United States but does not reflect the distinct leadership traditions, cultural identity, or sovereign governance of the EBCI."
For more info about the resolution, read the article in the Cherokee One Feather here https://tinyurl.com/y4xnwt7y
Pictured here is Ni**od Jarrett Smith, the 4th Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He is credited with gaining federal recognition for the EBCI.
The EBCI has had 27 Principal Chiefs since removal. Their names are listed below
Yonaguska
Salonitah (Flying Squirrel)
Lloyd R. Welch
Ni**od Jarrett Smith
Stillwell Saunooke
Andy Standing Deer
Jesse Reed
Bird Saloloneeta (Young Squirrel)
John Goins Welch
Joseph A. Saunooke
David Blythe
Sampson Owl
John A. Tahquette
Jarret Blythe
Henry Bradley
Osley Bird Saunooke
Walter Jackson
Noah Powell
John A. Crowe
Robert S. Youngdeer
Jonathan L. Taylor
Gerard Parker
Joyce Dugan
Leon Jones
Michell Hicks
Patrick Lambert
Richard Sneed
