EBCI leaders voice frustration after Braves support unofficial Cherokee tribes
Multiple statements were released from various Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians leaders condemning the Braves’ recognition of unofficial Native American entities. File photos
Following the Atlanta Braves’ recognition late last month of several groups in Georgia recognized by that state as Native American, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians officials issued multiple statements decrying the inclusion of multiple Cherokee tribes that are not federally recognized.
The only three federally recognized Cherokee tribes are the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, The Cherokee Nation and The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.
In a Facebook post on the official Atlanta Braves page, it was also stated that “As part of Georgia Tribe Night, the #Braves are making a donation to support the preservation of historical records for the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee housed in the Special Collections & Archives at the University of North Georgia.”
Following the recognition of June 29, EBCI’s Atlanta Braves Cultural Committee issued a statement. According to the group’s Facebook page, “The Atlanta Braves Cultural Committee partners with the Atlanta Braves to educate staff and players, ensure any representation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is culturally appropriate, & the EBCI’s interests are met moving forward.”
The committee’s statement noted that over the last few years, through its relationship with the Atlanta Braves, it has “achieved numerous impactful changes that have positively influenced our community.”
“However, the ABCC was disappointed by the recent misrepresentation of groups claiming to be Cherokee tribes during an Atlanta Braves game this past weekend,” the statement reads. “This incident highlights the ongoing need for education and awareness at the organization and state level. Following discussions with our executive office and tribal leadership, the ABCC remains steadfast in its commitment to educating the Atlanta Braves organization on critical national issues impacting federally recognized tribal governments.”
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“The recognition of false groups is an issue that the EBCI has long opposed and will continue to address it at the highest levels,” the statement continued. “It has been determined that we will continue to do our work with the Braves organization. It is imperative that we enhance our educational efforts to bring awareness as to why state recognition of false group is detrimental and delegitimizes federally recognized tribes.”
Shortly thereafter, Principal Chief Michel Hicks, Vice Chief Alan B. Ensley and Tribal Council released a similar statement, noting that they are “deeply concerned” that the Braves organization had given a platform to groups “falsely claiming” to be tribes without adequate verification of their ancestry.
“The recent acknowledgement is a serious lack of understanding and undermines our collective efforts,” the statement reads. “For years, the EBCI has fought against fraudulent groups that exploit Indigenous identity for personal gain, detracting from the benefits and resources meant for true Indigenous tribes. Countless groups across the United States have persistently and falsely claimed to be Cherokee. Today, there are only three federally recognized Cherokee tribes - the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee that historically have ongoing relationships with the Federal government through treaties and land rights.”
“As Cherokee, we take immense pride in our culture, our traditions, and the strength and resilience of our people,” it continues. “This recent event highlights the need for a better understanding of who we are and what we stand for. We aim to continue our educational efforts through the Atlanta Braves Cultural Committee, using this as an opportunity to bring to the forefront our decades-long fight against false groups claiming to be a Cherokee Tribe.”
The Atlanta Braves did not release any public statements in the wake of the criticism from EBCI leadership. The controversy between EBCI and the Braves’ organization came mere weeks before the team’s EBCI night July 20, tickets for which will be available at noon on June 12.
