Check on the "Becoming a Member" Webpage for our current application. To learn more about our State or International Clans visit the "The UCN Clans" Webpages.
 

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WELCOME    HOME!

"We have been told by a voice to remember our Tsalagi (Cherokee) ancestors, to pass on their ways, so they can't be forgotten. To help and serve one another for everyone's benefit. The less arguing, fighting, and grudges we hold the sooner our lives, our communities, and our world will be a better place to live". Our history is different than those whose ancestors were removed. Remember the Treaty of New Echota and the selling of our Tribal lands. We seek unity now for all Tribes, Nations and Bands of Tsalagi (Cherokee), we united together are the Ani-Yun'wi'ya, the Principal People, apart we are but lost. Remember we are the "Keepers of the Sacred Fire". Remembering this is a moral obligation to our future generations.

Our goals are specific; to gather all those who claim the right to be recognized as Tsalagi (Cherokee) , under one tribal membership organization. We will teach our children and grandchildren to appreciate the sacrifices of our ancestors, to respect their many hardships and to learn and teach our history, language and culture to the future generations before it is lost forever.

With your help, The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) will become the largest Tsalagi (Cherokee) tribal membership organization in the world. We invite you to be a part of our future as we continue with "THE GATHERING".

Now is the time for "THE GATHERING"

Interested in Joining? Fulfill your destiny!

If you have one drop of Tsalagi (Cherokee) blood and feel a need to join with your family; I invite you to fill out your application for membership and join with us today in, "THE GATHERING". Become a part of the future of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN). Do this for your children and your grandchildren. "We Will Not Forget" those ancestor's that came before us.

We are now an International Tribal Membership Organization and welcome all those of Tsalagi (Cherokee) blood to join with us no matter where you live on "Mother Earth".
 

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Stone Bear - Nvya Yona

 O'siyo (Hello) to all, I am called Stone Bear; As I approach my Sixth Anniversary of being named National / Principal Chief, I again renew my pledge to you. I accept this great responsibility as your Chief with humble respect. My word to you is, "I will continue to give my best for the good of all of the people".

As we continue to grow, I urge each of you to be an Ambassador for our organization and to continue to meet and "Gather the Lost Tsalagi". These times are changing and we do need to remember the old ways and to honor our ancestors.

July 2012 - June 2013 will be my last year as Principal Chief, with the help of our Elders and the Tribal Council we will work out a transition plan for a new Principal Chief and Tribal Council to continue the work of our Organization and in "Gathering The Lost Tsalagi", I will return to the membership. Watch our website for updates on changes to our bylaws for this transition. Please pray for me, our Elders and Tribal Council so that we may hear the voice of the Creator and do his will, for the best of all of the people. Do not be saddened or afraid, I am not leaving, just allowing some fresh energy and someone else to lead us. This is my 6th. year as Principal Chief, that has been 10% of my life, I am tired and need a break and The UCN needs some fresh ideas and renewed leadership.

Wado (Thank You), to all of my brothers and sisters who have joined in this massive effort to gather the Lost Tsalagi (Cherokee) into One International Tribal Membership Organization. Some of you I already have met or spoken with, in the future I look forward to meeting and talking with each member of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN). I do attend Pauwau's and dress in my elk-skin "Indian Suit" and ribbon shirt as my ancestor's did. Until we see each other (or meet) again  (do-`da-ga-g`hv-i) !
 

Chief's Message

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OFFICIAL NOTICE TO THE MEMBERSHIP

The Dues for 2013 are due by all of the members, anyone with an old style ID card is now considered an inactive member per our bylaws. We will be having an election for Principal Chief and he or she will be picking a new Tribal Council.

Only members that are current in their dues are considered Full Members per the bylaws and may be eligible to hold office and vote. Full Member-Minors are under the age of 18 and are not eligible to hold office or vote.

As of 03/31/2013 there will be a "Call for Nominations", any Full Member may nominate another Full Member or themselves for the Office of Principal Chief. Confirmed Full Members will be allowed the space on the Announcements page to express their beliefs and direction for The United Cherokee Nation (UCN). Full contact email information will be required so that the membership may communicate with the prospective Candidates.

As of 03/31/2013 the membership list (Rolls) will be frozen, until after the election. We will not accept any new members until after the election. The dates we will not accept new members are for the 2nd quarter, 04/01/2013 to 07/01/2013, applications may be held until after that date. Dues may be paid up until the election date of 06/23/2013. Dues will not be accepted from 06/23/2013 to 07/01/2013 and will be held until after that date.

On 06/23/2013, the date of the election, ballots will be emailed to each Full Member. Instruction as to which Elder(s) will be responsible to count the votes will be included in the email. On that date I will ask for and accept the resignation of the Tribal Council.

On 06/30/2013, a New Principal Chief will be named as freely elected by the Full Members in an open election. The Principal Chief will pick from the Full Members a new Tribal Council. I will transition the office and day to day responsibility, to the new Principal Chief. We will work together to transition the ownership of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN), which I have held in trust for all of the members, for the past 7 years.

If you have any questions about the role and responsibilities of the Principal Chief and or this upcoming election, please email me. It is the responsibility of each member to have their current information on our Rolls.

This is an official notice to the membership, signed by me this 4th day of February, 2013.

Chief Steven "Stone Bear" Phillips
The UCN National Office
PO Box 1328
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405

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Is The United Cherokee Nation a Tribe?

The short answer is No.

The UCN remains a Tribal Membership Organization, mostly made up of those Tsalagi that cannot join a Federal Tribe, yes we do have some members of the 3 Federal Tribes that believe in our mission. Do not be fooled by others that promise you anything more than this. Do not believe that by joining an internet based group that you are in an Indian Tribe. Do not believe that by joining a 501c3 that you are a member of an Indian Tribe. Since 1978, 324 groups have stated their intent to apply for tribal acknowledgment through the OFA's administrative process. As of Feb. 15, 2007, in nearly 20 years only 81 of these groups had submitted completed applications. Out of these 81 groups, there were only 16 acknowledged as tribes, 24 had been denied tribal designation and the rest remained in various stages of consideration and negotiation. So only 5% of those that had promised their members that one day they will be in a Federal Tribe and get Government recognition and benefits were approved, the rest remain in limbo, disapproved or now out of business or gone, many new “tribes” pop up daily to take their place, none will ever qualify.

Even though we are of Cherokee Blood and heritage, we as individuals do not qualify for membership in one of the 3 Federally recognized tribes. The UCN does not meet the Federal requirements for tribal status, never will. Our ancestor’s for one reason or another were not or did not register on one of the various rolls or took some allotment of land or money to remove themselves from the Tribal Reservation lands. Many were taken as children and adopted by others and did not have any way to establish their Native identity. That does not make us less Cherokee, it just makes us not in a Federal Tribe. Our Tribal Membership Organization is “Gathering” our people together into a ( Club, Historical Society, Culture Group ) whichever name you wish to use, but not a Tribe. We pay yearly dues to support the National Organization and the various State Clans, we are not organized like the Traditional Family Clans, we are organized like the State and US Government. The Principal Chief is the President / CEO. We are not or will not be a 501c3, we will not promise you that we are a tribe, we are a Gathering of people with common Tsalagi ancestry and our goals are to Gather our pople and Stand as One.         Wado,  SB

What is a Tribe?

The US Government has strict requirements for tribal status.

Criteria for recognition as an Indian tribe: Under the law, a community petitioning the government for recognition as a federally acknowledged Indian tribe must be able to meet all seven of the following criteria:

  • Criterion 83.7(a) requires that external observers have identified the petitioner as an American Indian entity on a substantially continuous basis since 1900.
  • Criterion 83.7(b) requires that a predominant portion of the petitioning group has comprised a distinct community since historical times.
  • Criterion 83.7(c) requires that the petitioning group has maintained political influence over its members as an autonomous entity since historical times.
  • Criterion 83.7(d) requires that the petitioner provide a copy of its governing document.
  • Criterion 83.7(e) requires that a petitioner's members descend from a historical Indian tribe.
  • Criterion 83.7(f) requires that the petitioner's membership be composed principally of persons who are not members of another Federally recognized Indian tribe.
  • Criterion 83.7(g) requires that the petitioner not be subject to legislation forbidding the Federal relationship.

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Each year brings changes from within and without.  Please pray for all of those that have lost their way!  We move forward together or perish alone. We need everyone to participate and help with our goal of "The Gathering", many hands make work light.

Wado,

SB

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O'siyo,  Please check out our online store to order, The UCN hats, shirts and other UCN gear.

  http://www.cafepress.com/UCNTribe

Please Check Out The Forum for all of The UCN members and Clans

Please View and Sign the New Jasper Resolution

New Jasper Resolution- Cherokee Unity Proclamation


New Jasper Resolution Webpage

See the Announcements Page for More Information !
Please contact the National Office for information.
 
Chief Steven "Stone Bear" Phillips
The UCN National Office
PO Box 1328
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405
 

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