The Blue Clan has taken on the endeavor of repairing the tribal log cabin. There are roof and porch issues that need to be resolved.  The Clan Chief James S. Is leading the fundraising with the backing of his clan. If you, or someone you know is looking to donate to a worthy cause, please consider this cause. To read the history of our cabin, click here.

​To Donate: 

This year, the At-Large and other citizens of the tribe participated in their annual  fundraiser for the Echota Cherokee Tribe’s Festival Committee. This year, the committee, which Gary P. leads, has asked that we donate to create fencing on the tribal grounds. This fencing will replace the orange plastic barricades on the tribal lands. The plastic wall barricades divide the parking area from the actual location where the festival takes place, and there are barricades around the septic tank. It is very unattractive, and Gary asked to help with beautifying the area. We were able to raise over the amount they were asking for. All monies have been forwarded to the Festival Committee.

Saturday a group of tribal citizens came together to begin the work on the grounds. These individuals were our new Chief Wooten, Michelle J., Gary P., Almon M., James S.,  Foy S., Wayne S., Timberland S., Sharon S., Dollie T. and her mom Ms. Flo. Last week we also had the Maxwell's and Donna R. helping out. We appreciate all the hard work our citizens are doing to clean up our tribal grounds and getting our office back to opening soon. 

The Festival Committee will be meeting on April 23, 2022 at noon (12). The meeting will be held in the tribal council meeting house. Anyone that would like to come is welcome!!! The Committee needs all Clan Representatives to be there and anyone that would like to help or have input. We look forward to a great meeting!!!

We would like to let you know that our tribal election ballot count was today. We wish to thank the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission for assisting us with the elections and the ballot counting. We appreciate the time they extended to our tribe. We wish to congratulate our new Chief and Vice-Chief. Our tribe is growing and we look forward to working with our new leaders for the betterment of our tribe.

L. Nancy Massey
Wolf Clan
901 6th Ave NW
Alabaster, AL 35007
L2massey @yahoo.com
Thank you for the nomination to serve our tribe in the office of Principal Chief. I look to the future as we, as a like minded group of people set aside our differences to serve, educate and strengthen our citizens. As we bind our hearts together in unity, love and dedication the future of the ECHOTA Cherokee Tribe of AL will flourish. Let your voice be heard. Every vote counts.
A confirmation vote for me to continue the term as Vice Chief by the Governing Body was held

July 31, 2021.
Motion by Rita Majors to make the position official.
Second by Misty Henderson.
Motion passed.
List of Governing Body members present: Charlotte Hallmark, Sharon Keith, Nancy Massey, Misty Henderson, Julie Schumacher, Rita Majors, Martha Gann, Hans Friedrich.
I have served on the governing body for 10 years as the Recording Clerk. (Which was previously called Recording Secretary)

I became a citizen in the early 80’s.
I have been a citizen since before we had a plot of land to call our own.
I have traveled to various venues to attend both Clan and State meetings.
I danced on the dance team until I married in 1985.
I have supported the tribe along with the Governing Body and other citizens to bring awareness of our tribe and developing our tribal property.
The tribal property has increased from the original purchase of 24. acres with an addition purchase of 25.7 acres after the original loan was paid off. We now trod on 49 + Acres of a well developed tribal complex.
The trailer was placed on the property to establish an office.
The shed was added for storage.
The bathhouse was added to meet the needs of citizens and visitors.
I have been proud to participate in the following efforts:
Work on the log cabin.
Help landscape around the bath house.
Work on Pavilion #1, which later was developed into the first meeting room, office and kitchen.
I helped along side the Governing Body members and many others with the construction design, clean up and decorating of the tribal house.
Pavilion #2, which later became the meeting house we enjoy today.
I helped along side the Governing Body members and many others with the construction design, and clean up of this project.
I gather and clean donations for the museum.
I have served on the Festival Committee.
There have been so many more additions to our complex. I know I haven’t been involved with everything but I have truly enjoyed seeing us all work together and use our gifts and talents that the good Lord has given us to grow our complex into such a beautiful campus thus far.
I support the tribe with donations to the gift shop and office.
I participate in the tribal festival both here at present on our tribal grounds and at other locations in the past.
I travel to other festivals and Pow Wows encouraging wholesome family gatherings, education and unity.
I have served as Secretary of the
Wolf Clan.
I am a full time bus driver for the Alabaster city School System, and have done so for 20 years.
I have passed the background check necessary for the school system.
I am randomly drug tested at my job.
I help coordinate buses for the field trip schedule at THS and have done this for 10 years.
I also have a substitute teachers certificate. I work through Kelly Services to fill positions at Thompson High School-9-12-grade.
I am a member of The Alabaster Church of God, where I am on the Praise Team and I’m a substitute Sunday School Teacher.
I help with the food bank at ACOG.
I have attended ACOG for 30 years.
I was wife to Yogi Massey for 33 years until he went to be with the Lord in Sept. 2018. I have 5 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grand child.
I served 3 years total in the ACESP. One year as secretary and two as as Vice President.
I am an avid crafter and artisan. I design and create jewelry as well as many other items. Vending from my unique portable jewelry cabin.
I promote and encourage strong, peaceful and harmonious relationships with tribal citizens. Everyone is welcome…We are ECHOTA.

My goal for the tribe as Principal Chief.
To be implemented over a 8-12 month period. All citizens are encouraged to offer your opinions, services and to
volunteer. In this phase of growth and change no disrespect, rude behavior, gossip or bullying will be tolerated. There has been quite enough of that and it will not be allowed to continue amongst our people.

Month 1-3
Assess the condition of the tribe as a whole.
Establish a membership board. That will include a Governing Body member. This board will be reviewing personal information and members will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement due to the sensitive personal information on the applications. Expulsion from the tribe is a possible punishment for violating the confidentiality agreement. This board will review files and determine why cards haven’t been mailed out. The report will be presented to the Governing Body. When approved it will then and only then be presented to the tribal citizens. The members of this board may be required to submit to a back ground check.
I welcome everyone to get involved. We must move forward in unity.
The locks will be rekeyed and the codes changed to prevent unauthorized individuals from having access to the buildings.
Meet with the Governing Body on April 9, 2022. Go over the By-Laws to reinforce duties, share concerns and take recommendations. Clarify all questionable sections. Confidentiality Agreements will be signed and placed on file in the tribal office. This board is a representation for all clans, out of state citizens and our tribe as a whole. Delegation of board duties and expectations of each Governing Body board member will be reviewed. I realize being on The Governing Body is not a paid position however to sit on the Governing Body is a privilege given due to the respect and confidence your clan members and officers have in you.
Compile a financial statement for review and have available for qualified tribal citizens.
Take applications from individuals interested in working in the Tribal office, Gift shop, Museum, web page and public relations of the tribe. These individuals may be required to submit to a back ground check. This application will be ready for distribution on April 9th.
A US post office box will be established in Alabaster for my access for communication purposes. This will not take the place of the tribal P. O. Box. It is simply a safe secure place for individuals to be able to send correspondence. I will be paying for this box. I included this now for transparency. I will have a key. A key will be kept in the tribal office. A named individual will hold the 3rd key. (If 3 keys are issued). I live in Alabaster.
Required forms will be organized and stored in a secure place in the tribal office for review for qualified citizens and authorities, if they are not already available for review.
Cut unnecessary expenses.
​
Months 4-8
Establish a finance board that will include a Governing Body member to keep a check and balance system for our finances. This board will be established solely to track expenses and report irregularities and detailed expenses of the tribe. This is not a paid position. The report will be presented to the Governing Body. When approved it will then and only then be presented to the tribal citizens. That will hopefully eliminate individuals from spreading panic about the tribes solvency. A confidentiality agreement will be required to be signed by each board member with expulsion from the tribe as a possible punishment for violating the agreement. These individuals may be required to submit to a back ground check. Trust is vital and Misinformation is poisonous.
Build a competent office staff of volunteers to operate the tribal office during set business hours. A confidentiality agreement will be required to be signed by each volunteer working in the tribal office. Expulsions from the tribe is a possible punishment for violating the agreement. These individuals may be required to submit to a back ground check. A sponsor from the Governing Body will oversee process.
Place a representative to the out of state citizens that has the tribe at heart not just growing numbers but educating, acknowledging and including them in our tribal news and Cherokee culture.
Develop a zoom group to: Include our meetings, exchange official information, share ideas, take recommendations and to build relationships with tribal citizens.
This resource will be sponsored by a minimum of one Governing Body member, a citizen sponsor to help coordinate and set up this resource and 2 citizens to support the group to share the scheduling and approval of material to be covered. This group will be set up under a trial basis. At any point lack of participation or the zoom program becomes less than a resource beneficial to the tribe it may be terminated.
Develop a welcome/information center for campus visitors. Accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A sponsor from the Governing Body will oversee this project volunteers are encouraged/needed to participate to make it a success.
Establish a grounds team that has access to tools to keep our campus looking its best. There will be a sign out and in sheet for documentation on who removed, used and returned tools. A detailed policy/procedure/use agreement to be signed and returned to the tribal office will need to be developed so individuals know what is required to use tribal tools and equipment.
A service sheet for the equipment and tools will be posted in the shed to ensure upkeep and maintenance on these items. A sponsor from the Governing Body will oversee this team.
A directory of tribal citizens that have businesses or offer services to utilize will be composed. A sponsor from the Governing Body will oversee this directory to keep it up to date.
Tribal citizens will be offered the opportunity to do the work that is resourced out whenever possible on paid jobs needed by the tribe.
Bids, bonding and brotherhood will be encouraged.
Volunteers for classes and skills to be taught will be encouraged. Disrespect, rude behavior will not be tolerated. We should share our knowledge and skills in a positive teaching environment. No talking down to anyone due to their lack of understanding or knowledge of the class being taught. We all have to start somewhere. Knowledge is power…let’s empower our people. A sponsor from the Governing Body will oversee this project.
This process may seem extreme however when goals are set and expectations are put in place we know what we can expect of others and declare what can be expected from us.
We are all ECHOTA. We are a like minded people. Growth and unity go hand in hand. We are not split despite this being an election year. Whoever is our next Principal Chief will need support, respect, encouragement, help and prayers. I would appreciate your vote and future support.
Respect the position even if your first choice does not prevail. This is not a win loose election…it is a restructuring. Look to the future, learn from the past and walk a clear path today.
We are all ECHOTA.
Blessings.
I am adding this 12/14 to make something perfectly clear…it is not my intention to purge the tribe. Removal from the tribe is the absolute last resort. When job duties are explained along with the severity of misinformation or misuse of information to bring harm to the tribe or an individual it will be dealt with. Documentation including a written complaint will be required. This will be presented to the GB upon which time the follow up will be determined. Telling lies, twisting the truth, being disrespectful, spreading rumors needs to stop. Unity, truth, honor and love will mend the heart and bring peace.

Respect the position even if your first choice dies not prevail. This is not a win loose election…it is a restructuring. Look to the future, learn from the past and walk a clear path today.
We are all ECHOTA.
Blessings.
Nancy Massey

Little Free Library Opens at Oakville Indian Mounds

There’s much excitement around Oakville these days! The Little Free Library is coming to the Oakville Indian Mounds and Cultural Center on November 6, and will be a permanent feature thereafter.

According to Hans F., who was determined to bring more educational materials for Native Americans to this area, and Sharron P.,  who is chairperson responsible for promoting the Little Free Library, this particular location will focus on indigenous people from across the country, with emphasis on Native American heritage and goals.  

“The Indian Mounds filed and received a license to open and operate a Little Free Library,” Sharron P. explained. “There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 6, at the site.” The organization will supply some of the books and will gladly accept donations, both financial and of new and gently used family oriented books. “We will offer books for children and adults,” Sharon P. continued. “We want to encourage readers of all ages to learn more about our Native American heritage.” 

Hans F., who is actively involved in the Blue Clan division of the Native American Echota Tribe, and is currently serving as secretary/treasurer, was delighted to have this site made available to area residents. “Although Little Free Libraries have been available throughout the country for some time, this is one of the first to offer the “Reading in Color” initiative which focuses on Native American content and themes.”  

The first Little Free Library was the brainchild of Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, in 2009. Bol built a model of a one room schoolhouse as a tribute to his mother, a teacher who loved to read. He filled it with books and put it on a post in his front yard. His neighbors and friends loved it, so he built several more and gave them away. From those humble beginnings a grass –roots movement was born. 

UW-Madison’s Rick Brooks (retired from Little Free Library 2014) saw Bol’s do-it-yourself project while they were discussing potential social enterprises. Together, the two saw opportunities to achieve a variety of goals for the common good.

They were inspired by community gift-sharing networks, “take a book, leave a book” collections in coffee shops and public spaces, and most especially by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Around the turn of the 20th century, Carnegie set a goal to fund the creation of 2,508 free public libraries across the English-speaking world.

That goal inspired Brooks and Bol to set their own goal of surpassing 2,508 Little Free Libraries by the end 2013. They wound up exceeding that goal in August of 2012, a year and a half before their target date.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin.

According to their website, Little Free Library’s Mission and Vision is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.

“Our vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.”

“We value all people and communities, and we respect their wisdom in using Little Free Libraries in a meaningful, individualistic way suited to their culture and locality.”

Both Hans F. and Sharron P., invite everyone to the ribbon cutting and welcome all who wish to use the Little Free Library. According to the Little Free Library home page there is a growing literacy crisis. “Today in the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. But two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own.”

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin. In our area the newest Little Free Library will be located near the main museum building at the Oakville Indian Mounds. The box is weather proof and in addition to picking out a book you can also donate books. The books are yours to keep or you can return it when you are finished and choose another one. 

Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Studies prove that the more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. Through the Impact Library Program, the organization grants Little Free Library book exchanges to communities where books are scarce.

Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center, Cultural Resource Specialist, Anna Mullican is thrilled to have this opportunity to share books with visitors and to encourage both adults and children to take advantage of this program. “I’m excited to be a part of this program,” said Anna. “It came at a wonderful time because this year’s Caldecott winner is a Native American, Carol Lindstrom, who wrote, “Water Protectors”. 

Mullican went on to emphasize that in addition to  books about Native American heritage and history, the Little Library will also offer books about wildflowers, myths and legends and other topics suitable for family reading. “Two of my favorites are “Water Protectors” and “Fry Bread”,” she said. 

Mullican is just finishing up a pictorial history of Lawrence County which will be available in the spring. An avid reader herself, she is looking forward to this effort to enrich the lives of area residents and to encouraging people to read more. “This is like having a treasure box filled with books,” she described the new kiosk. “It will be stocked with new and gently used books celebrating Native American history and diversity.” 

"If anyone wants to donate funding, Oakville can purchase bulk books though First Books or Scholastic," Mullican added. 

The site is opened Monday through Friday. Hours of operation are 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Thursday and 8 am until 3:30 pm on Friday. “Any monetary donations so designated will be used to purchase new books,” she concluded. 

November 6, mark your calendar for events at the Oakville Indian Mounds and Education Center, 1219 County Road 187, Danville, Al. 35619. The AHSAA State XC Race on is also held on the Mounds grounds on the morning of November 6, as well as the ribbon cutting for the Little Free Library. 

Phone:   256-905-2499  email: OakvilleIndianMounds.com 

Sidebar:
Little Free Library was honored to receive the 2020 World Literacy Award from the World Literacy Foundation. They are a Top-Rated Nonprofit by the Great Nonprofits organization and received Guidestar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.

Little Free Library is a recipient of the Library of Congress Literacy Award, the National Book Foundation’s Innovations in Reading Prize, Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers Award, the Women’s National Book Association’s Second Century Prize, and the Force for Positive Change Award.  

Ann Mullican suggests the following authors for children's books with Native American themes;  Joseph Bruchac , Traci Sorrell, Tomie dePaola, Cynthia Leititch Smith, and Brenda Child are great! 

Report by Loretta G., Blue Clan Member and Reporter for the Moulton Advertiser.

​The Citizens of The Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama would like to extend a thank you to the following people for their help in making  the festival a huge success.

​Thank you to:
Jimmy and DeAnna H. , head man and head lady dancers.
Don M.,  the event coordinator and for singing, storytelling, language and blessing the circle.
Gary P. for grounds work and arena director on Sunday
Tunder R.  and his wife for helping out with everything for the festival, including helping Gary on Sunday with the smudging and assisting the head man and head lady on both days and blessing the circle.
Wayne S., Almon M., Dennis W., and James W.  for putting the Echota sign to its new location.
Sharon S. for the fry-bread and cleaning the council house and outdoor bath houses.
The drum team for playing for free.
Foy S. for smudging supplies at the last minute.
Dennis W. for stepping in where needed, arena director, smudging dancers and grounds upkeep.
Almon M. for stepping in where needed and grounds upkeep.
Weeya C. for storytelling.
Miss Indian Alabama, Reagan B. for being there & playing the flute.
Sharon K. and her husband for running the gift shop.
Chief Hallmark for handling things behind the scenes like making phone calls, assigning duties and revising the festival.
Danny S. and Tommy K. for posting the pow wow signs.
Richard S. for loaning the tribe his sound system.
All the vendors and dancers.
If anyone was left out, it was unintentional. Thank you all who helped to bring our festival together.

​After some discussion and a follow up meeting on Sunday the 29th at 9 pm, the Blue Clan concluded their Elections.

As follows our new officers are ;
Chief - Commander James S.
Vice Chief - Jonathan H.
Treasurer/Secretary - Hans F.

The Blue Clan has made plans to meet in other Counties, rotating our meetings so all can have equal access. If you have any good meeting locations in Walker, Winston, and Lawrence Counties, please let an Officer know.

Plans are underway for recognizing some of our most outstanding Elders! If you have any nominations, please inform an officer .

Congratulations to all ! We look for more good things to happen with our Clan and our Tribe!
The Blue Clan created a new permanent standing Committee to administer and support our newly unveiled Little Free Library  program.  Congratulations to our new Committee Chairwoman Sharon P. !
​
Our Free Little Library will be one of the first in the Nation to feature books from the "Read in Color" program that will feature books for and about Native Americans! Our Free Little Library will be placed where you see the blue mark on the picture below at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park & Museum.

More updates will be posted after July 31, 2021.