How Many Cherokee Tribes Are There? A Closer Look

If you have spent any time on the internet or digging through family attics, you have likely heard the claim: "My great-grandmother was a Cherokee Princess." Beyond the fact that "Cherokee Princesses" never existed, this myth highlights a massive confusion about who the Cherokee people actually are and how they are organized. When we ask, "How many Cherokee tribes are there?" the answer depends entirely on whether you are talking about historical heritage or legal sovereignty. In the eyes of the United States federal government, and for the purposes of actual self-governance, there are only three.

Osiyo.net is an independently operated information platform. We are here to cut through the noise with facts and historical context. We are not an official tribal government site, and you should always verify specific enrollment and legal details with the Tribal Nations themselves.

Key Takeaways

• There are three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
• Federal recognition is a government-to-government relationship, not a cultural club or a DNA percentage.
• The Cherokee Nation and UKB are headquartered in Oklahoma; the EBCI is based in North Carolina.
• Hundreds of groups claim Cherokee identity without federal recognition; however, these groups do not hold the same sovereign status or legal rights.

The Big Three: A Comparison of Federally Recognized Cherokee Nations

Before we dive into the weeds of history and tribal law, let’s look at the landscape as it exists today. The following table outlines the three sovereign nations that carry the legal torch of the Cherokee people.

To understand how we ended up with three distinct entities, we have to talk about the messy, often violent history of the 19th century. If you’re just getting started on your journey of understanding, check out our Getting Started guide.

1. The Cherokee Nation (CN)

The Cherokee Nation is the largest of the three and, by many metrics, the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States. Headquartered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the CN is a powerhouse of economic and political influence. But they didn’t get to Oklahoma by choice.

The Trail of Tears and the New Nation

The majority of the Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands in the Southeast (Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina) during the 1830s. This period of ethnic cleansing, known as the Trail of Tears, resulted in the deaths of thousands. Once in "Indian Territory" (modern-day Oklahoma), the Cherokee people rebuilt their government, establishing a constitution, a supreme court, and a sophisticated bilingual education system.

Modern Sovereignty

Today, the Cherokee Nation operates with a tripartite government. They provide healthcare, housing, and education services to hundreds of thousands of citizens. Their enrollment is based on lineal descent from the Final Rolls of the Five Civilized Tribes (also known as the Dawes Rolls). This means if you can prove a direct ancestor was listed on those rolls as "Cherokee by Blood," you may be eligible for Cherokee citizenship. For more information, visit the official Cherokee Nation website.

2. United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (UKB)

Sharing a headquarters city with the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band (UKB) often confuses outsiders. Why are there two Cherokee tribes in Tahlequah? The answer lies in the distinction between the "Old Settlers" and those who arrived later.

The Old Settlers and the Keetoowah Society

The Keetoowah people trace their roots back to a group of Cherokees who moved west to Arkansas and then Oklahoma long before the forced removals of the 1830s. Known as the "Old Settlers," they had already established a government in the West. The name "Keetoowah" itself is deeply significant, referring to the traditionalist, spiritual heart of the Cherokee people.

A Distinct Identity

The UKB was formally recognized by the federal government under the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of 1936. Unlike the Cherokee Nation, which uses lineal descent, the UKB maintains a blood quantum requirement for citizenship. They emphasize the preservation of Cherokee culture, language, and traditional ways of life. You can learn more about their specific history on the UKB official site.

3. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI)

While the majority of the Cherokee were pushed west, a small group remained in the mountains of North Carolina. These are the ancestors of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The Survivors of the Mountains

The EBCI consists of descendants of those who hid in the Great Smoky Mountains or who were allowed to stay because of specific land ownership agreements (like those involving William Holland Thomas). They eventually purchased the land that is now known as the Qualla Boundary. Because they were never "removed," they never appeared on the Dawes Rolls in Oklahoma.

The Baker Roll and North Carolina Sovereignty

The EBCI is a distinct sovereign nation with its own laws, court system, and economy—famously supported by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. Their citizenship is based on the 1924 Baker Roll and requires a 1/16th blood quantum. They are the keepers of the Kituwah Mound, the "Mother Town" of the Cherokee people. Explore more at the EBCI website.

The "Other" Tribes: State-Recognized and Unrecognized Groups

Here is where things get "edgy." If you search for "Cherokee tribes" on Google, you will find hundreds of organizations claiming to be Cherokee. Some are "state-recognized," and others are simply non-profit organizations. It is vital to understand the difference between a cultural heritage group and a Sovereign Nation.

The Federal Recognition Gap

Federal recognition is not a stamp of approval from the U.S. government on whether you are "Indian enough." It is a legal acknowledgment of a government-to-government relationship. This status is what allows tribes to have their own police forces, courts, and land held in trust. Groups that lack this recognition do not have these sovereign powers.

• State-Recognized Tribes: Some states, like Georgia or Alabama, have "recognized" certain groups. However, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) does not acknowledge these groups as sovereign nations. They do not have the same legal standing as the "Big Three."
• Unrecognized Groups: There are over 200 groups in the U.S. that claim to be Cherokee. While some members may have Cherokee ancestry, the groups themselves are often viewed with skepticism by the federally recognized tribes, who see them as infringing on tribal sovereignty.

The Danger of "Plastic Shamans" and Fraud

The Cherokee name is one of the most appropriated in the world. Many groups sell "tribal memberships" or "Indian cards" that have no legal value. It’s important to research the history of any group before engaging. For a deeper look at the legalities of tribal identity, check out our page on the truth about "Indian Cards."

Why Does Recognition Matter?

Sovereignty is the heartbeat of Tribal Nations. It’s the right of a people to govern themselves. When people falsely claim tribal status or when unrecognized groups attempt to speak for the Cherokee people, it dilutes the political power and the voice of the actual sovereign nations. This isn’t just about "feelings" or "heritage"; it’s about the legal rights of indigenous people to manage their own land, resources, and future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can there be two Cherokee tribes in the same town?

The Cherokee Nation and the UKB both have headquarters in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This is due to their unique historical paths to federal recognition and the complex nature of land claims in Oklahoma following the dissolution of the original Cherokee reservation during the allotment era.

Is one tribe "more" Cherokee than the others?

No. Each of the three federally recognized tribes has a legitimate, historical, and legal claim to Cherokee identity. They simply represent different branches of the Cherokee diaspora—those who were removed, those who went early, and those who stayed behind.

What if my family says we are Cherokee but we aren’t in these tribes?

Ancestry and citizenship are two different things. You can have Cherokee ancestors and not be eligible for citizenship in any of the three tribes. This doesn’t change your DNA, but it does mean you are not a legal citizen of a sovereign Cherokee nation. Visit our About page to learn how Osiyo.net helps you navigate these distinctions.

Does having a "CDIB" card mean I’m a tribe member?

A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) is a document issued by the BIA that verifies your blood quantum. While it is often a prerequisite for tribal citizenship, holding a CDIB does not automatically make you a citizen of a tribe. Citizenship is determined by the tribe itself.

Next Steps

Understanding the landscape of Cherokee tribes is the first step in a much longer journey of learning about faith, education, and the stories of the people. If you are looking to dig deeper into your own history or simply want to support sovereign nations, we recommend the following:

• Research the Rolls: If you believe you have ancestry, start with the Final Rolls.
• Visit the Nations: Both Oklahoma and North Carolina offer incredible travel opportunities to see Cherokee culture firsthand.
• Respect Sovereignty: Always prioritize the voices of official tribal governments when seeking information on policy or enrollment.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Osiyo.net is an independently operated information platform. Always verify enrollment information directly with the specific Tribal Nation.