As part of an ongoing commitment to consult with Native American tribes in the region, TVA hosted a three-day workshop inviting representatives of more than a dozen federally recognized tribes.
The workshop, held May 15-17 in Chattanooga, included discussions about the proper identification and care for Native American remains and other issues important to both TVA and the tribes.
TVA has hosted these workshops every five years since 2002. TVA is also required under federal law to consult regularly with federally recognized tribes.
“Hosting this workshop allows TVA to listen to the tribes’ concerns and encourages honest communication and transparency regarding TVA undertakings,” said Pat Ezzell, TVA historian and Native American liaison. “Strong relationships are important because each tribe is its own sovereign nation and together they represent a wide geographic area.”
Tribes in attendance included representatives from the Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Muscogee Creek Nation, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Each of the tribes is recognized in federal law as having the power to make and enforce laws, and establish courts and other forums for resolving disputes.