TRIBAL HISTORY
GAINING STATE RECOGNITION
After filing Articles of Incorporation for the Tribe in 1981, tribal members, led by Principal Chief Joseph "Two Eagles" Stewart, determined to find a way to gain legislation to create an Alabama Indian Affairs Commission and to give the seven tribes that were already organized State Recognition. This was no small task.
Every year when the State Legislature went into session, Echota members from across North Alabama would drive to Alabaster, Alabama, there to be met by Joe and Charlotte. Everyone left their vehicles in the parking lot at the local shopping center and climbed in Joe's big yellow van and off they went to Montgomery to lobby the Legislature for an Indian Commission and State Recognition. This took place three days a week, every week the Legislature was in session.
Sometimes there would be a van load to make the trip and sometimes fewer. People did what they were able to do and made the trip as often as they could. That has always been the way of the Echota people -- give it your all, do your best, as often as you can. No one could afford to eat in restaurants everyday so brown bags were numerous as were the thermoses of water, tea, or coffee that everyone brought. We couldn't bring anything to eat that might spoil while members were in the Capitol speaking with their local Senators and Representatives so the diet was pretty much limited. Everyone always laughed that Joe and Charlotte's van smelled like peanut butter and banana sandwiches for months after the end of each legislative session.
After years of perseverance, following this same routine, in 1984 The Davis - Strong Act was passed by the Alabama House and the Senate. This Bill created the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission and gave State Recognition to the seven tribes who had joined their efforts to peacefully gain some advantages for their people. SUCCESS AT LAST! It was at this time that the phrase, "Progress Through Indian Unity", was added to our logo. (Also see Code of Alabama AIAC § 41-9-708)
In looking back at these years of working toward a common goal, it was a happy time. We sang, laughed, and talked all the way to Montgomery every day that the trip was made. In the late afternoons, on the way home, when the efforts of a long day took its toll we talked quietly and some took a nap. The members who came from North Alabama still had a one to two hour drive after picking up their vehicles before they could fully relax. The unity and loving spirits of all who participated was felt strongly, especially when we prayed to our Creator for direction in our efforts. We all felt the Creator had His hand on our tribe and would always guide us and bless us. That does not mean that the path was always a smooth one. Problems and troubles are part of the human condition. These are lessons given us by the Creator to teach us and to make us stronger.
We believe the Creator still has His hand on our tribe. Everything happens for a reason and the Creator is still in control. NEVER DOUBT IT.
Every year when the State Legislature went into session, Echota members from across North Alabama would drive to Alabaster, Alabama, there to be met by Joe and Charlotte. Everyone left their vehicles in the parking lot at the local shopping center and climbed in Joe's big yellow van and off they went to Montgomery to lobby the Legislature for an Indian Commission and State Recognition. This took place three days a week, every week the Legislature was in session.
Sometimes there would be a van load to make the trip and sometimes fewer. People did what they were able to do and made the trip as often as they could. That has always been the way of the Echota people -- give it your all, do your best, as often as you can. No one could afford to eat in restaurants everyday so brown bags were numerous as were the thermoses of water, tea, or coffee that everyone brought. We couldn't bring anything to eat that might spoil while members were in the Capitol speaking with their local Senators and Representatives so the diet was pretty much limited. Everyone always laughed that Joe and Charlotte's van smelled like peanut butter and banana sandwiches for months after the end of each legislative session.
After years of perseverance, following this same routine, in 1984 The Davis - Strong Act was passed by the Alabama House and the Senate. This Bill created the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission and gave State Recognition to the seven tribes who had joined their efforts to peacefully gain some advantages for their people. SUCCESS AT LAST! It was at this time that the phrase, "Progress Through Indian Unity", was added to our logo. (Also see Code of Alabama AIAC § 41-9-708)
In looking back at these years of working toward a common goal, it was a happy time. We sang, laughed, and talked all the way to Montgomery every day that the trip was made. In the late afternoons, on the way home, when the efforts of a long day took its toll we talked quietly and some took a nap. The members who came from North Alabama still had a one to two hour drive after picking up their vehicles before they could fully relax. The unity and loving spirits of all who participated was felt strongly, especially when we prayed to our Creator for direction in our efforts. We all felt the Creator had His hand on our tribe and would always guide us and bless us. That does not mean that the path was always a smooth one. Problems and troubles are part of the human condition. These are lessons given us by the Creator to teach us and to make us stronger.
We believe the Creator still has His hand on our tribe. Everything happens for a reason and the Creator is still in control. NEVER DOUBT IT.