Category: People

Life in the Carolinas shares an interview with Myrtle Driver after she is bestowed the the honor of “Beloved Women” by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Cherokee never had princesses. This is a concept based on European folktales and has no reality in Cherokee history and culture. In fact, Cherokee women were very powerful. They owned all the houses and fields, and they could marry and divorce as they pleased. Kinship was determined through the mother’s line. Clan mothers administered justice in many matters. Beloved women were very special women chosen for their outstanding qualities. As in other aspects of Cherokee culture, there was a balance of power between men and women. Although they had different roles, they both were valued. This is a very interesting part of the Cherokee history and well worth your time to learn more. Today The Eastern Band of Cherokee, which is the only tribe in North Carolina that is recognized by the federal government, is located in western North Carolina in traditional homelands. The Tribe consists of approximately 14000 enrolled members and holds 56000 acres for our Qualla Boundary. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians continues to operate as a sovereign nation in providing for the prosperity of Tribal members.

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