2020-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN
THE EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
2022 Update
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Message from Principal Chief
Richard G. Sneed
Greetings,
On behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Government, its programs and employees I am pleased to present the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan 2022 Update. This plan is meant to be a living document to lead the tribal government forward in the spirit of ga du gi.
To our People, ga du gi takes many forms but the essence of the word is that it embodies “community”. Through this administration and in the spirit of ga du gi, we will work together to shape the future of our tribe for generations to come. We have committed to fulfilling the goals outlined in this document, and by doing so build a model tribal community that is an example to all Indian Country. Each of our nearly 200 tribal programs will create objectives annually to guide their work in meeting our common goals.
Accomplishing all that we have set out in this document is a lofty goal and requires commitment from employees at all levels of the government, tribal leadership and all citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. I am confident in our ability to meet and exceed the goals stated here and know that everyone will do their part to ensure our collective success.
I look forward to working with each of you as we work toward achieving the goals and objectives set forth in the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Sgi,
Richard G. Sneed
Principal Chief
Vision Statement
To build a model tribal community for citizens and visitors.
By 2025, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be…
- The most informed membership in Indian Country
- The most economically diverse, financially secure and financially educated tribe in Indian Country
- Balanced and at peace, “to hi”
- Encouraging of new generations of leadership, transparency and innovation
- A leader in research and policy development, monitoring and training
- Supported by enterprise resources (information technology) that are resilient, robust and recoverable that is the best in Indian Country
- Meeting the basic human rights of tribal members through access to affordable, safe, healthy and sanitary homes
- Increasing the number of fluent speakers and the population’s knowledge of culture and history
- Offering the most technologically modern cultural attractions in Indian Country
- A workforce ready population through focused investments in higher ed, certification and training programs, and internship opportunities
- A model for environmental stewardship and food production in Indian Country
- Restoring, protecting and managing wildlife and natural resources with a 100-year vision
- The most nationally well-known native nation amongst our peers and recognized for leadership role in Indian Country
- Nationally recognized as a modern nation rooted in unique history and culture, giving US citizens awareness of the plight of native nations
- Model community of healthy, happy, safe, prosperous and self-sustaining citizens
- Recognized for its world-class Health & Human Services systems
- A model of life safety for the law enforcement community
- A better place for residents to live and visitors to come to
- Recognized for its resilient, well-developed laws that support neutral and consistent application and the diverse economic development and social policies of the tribe
- Recognized for promoting economic diversity, cultural rebirth, resiliency and the overall wellbeing.
- A stable, predictable tribal government
Mission Statement
ga du gi
Working together to shape our future.
Cherokee Core Values
- Spirituality, which creates a bond among Cherokee people in good times and bad and is a source of hope.
- Group harmony in community and kin relationships, and freely sharing and giving time, talent and treasures.
- Strong individual character, with integrity, honesty, perseverance, courage, respect, trust, honor and humility.
- Strong connection with the land and commitment to stewardship of the homelands of the Cherokee.
- Honoring the past by knowing one’s ancestors, identifying with and belonging to the tribe, and living and preserving Cherokee culture.
- Educating the children by providing values-oriented education and recreation, and by being strong role models for them.
- Possessing a sense of humor, which can lighten pressure in serious situations and help people make good decisions.
Results Based Accountability
Strategic Priorities
Health (HEA)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will ensure health equity and access, promote and protect the health and well-being, and provide world class services to all Tribal citizens. |
| Goal HEA.1 | By 2025, the EBCI will decrease substance use disorders and related issues |
| Owner | Secretary of Public Health & Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health |
| Goal HEA.2 | By 2025, the EBCI will increase family resiliency to withstand, adapt to and recover from stress and adverse experiences |
| Owner | Secretary of Public Health and Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Prosperity |
| Goal HEA.3 | By 2025, the EBCI will leverage partnerships and collaborations to improve services for vulnerable citizens |
| Owner | Secretary of Public Health & Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health |
| Goal HEA.4 | By 2025, the EBCI will decrease food insecurity and promote healthy eating |
| Owner | Secretary of Public Health & Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety |
| Goal HEA.5 | By 2025, the EBCI will eliminate barriers that restrict equitable access to services |
| Owner | Secretary of Public Health & Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health |
| Goal HEA.6 | By 2025, the EBCI will reduce violence and abuse in the community |
| Owner | Secretary of Public Health & Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety |
| Goal HEA.7 | By 2025, the EBCI will implement the use of technology to manage and improve health outcomes |
| Owner | Secretary of Public Health & Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health |
Safety (SAF)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will enhance is life safety programs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Tribal Citizens and to be model programs for Indian Country if efficiency and effectiveness. |
| Goal SAF.1 | By 2021, the EBCI will evaluate the staffing levels, scheduling, and compensation structure for all life safety programs and implement best practices in the management of life safety programs. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Safety, Health |
| Goal SAF.2 | By 2022, the EBCI will have a land use and facilities masterplan in place to ensure adequate coverage of the tribal service areas by life safety programs. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Safety, Health |
| Goal SAF.3 | By 2025, the EBCI will align, expand and update its criminal justice philosophies, policies and tribal laws and enforcement practices to promote health, wellbeing, and reduce stigma. |
| Owner | Chief of Police, Josh Taylor |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety, Housing |
| Goal SAF.4 | By 2022, the EBCI will create coalitions of cross functional teams and resources to be more responsive to the needs of the community and increase presence. |
| Owner | Chief of Police, Josh Taylor |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Safety, Health |
Prosperity (PRP)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will expand tribal economic entities, create revenue diversification, promote financial wellbeing of tribal citizens, and support an eco & cultural tourism economy. |
| Goal PRP.1 | By 2022, the EBCI will execute the initial phases of the Cultural District Masterplan, centralization of government offices and a comprehensive land use plan. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | % completion of planning activities and business strategy |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity, Safety |
| Goal PRP.2 | By 2022, the EBCI will integrate consideration for health and well-being into all development for mixed use, connected spaces, transportation, housing and recreational areas including enhanced mobility and human-powered transportation in the town of Cherokee. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | % completion of planning activities
% completion of identified projects |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity, Safety |
| Goal PRP.3 | By 2022, the EBCI will develop incentive programs for local businesses to encourage and support the entrepreneurial spirit and increase the number of small businesses on tribal lands. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | Implementation of incentive programs for small business
Number of participating businesses in incentive programs Number of new businesses/expanding businesses in town of Cherokee Number of businesses participating in Chamber of Commerce activities |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal PRP.4 | By 2021, the EBCI will establish a commercial gaming & hospitality entity to expand the tribe’s market share. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | Establishment of entity
Number of transactions reviewed and closed by entity Revenue generating capacity of entity |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal PRP.5 | By 2023, the EBCI will offer the most technologically modern cultural attractions in Indian Country. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | % completion of business planning activities
Number of visitors to cultural attractions by year Revenue generating capacity of cultural attractions |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity, Culture |
| Goal PRP.6 | By 2021, the EBCI will establish a tribal telecom entity for voice, data, and television for the regional market. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | Establishment of entity
% completion of identified projects Number of customers added/retained by telecom entity |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal PRP.7 | By 2023, the EBCI will develop a minimum of 7 unique revenue streams to fund tribal government operations. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | Identification of unique revenue streams
Revenue generating capacity of each revenue stream |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal PRP.8 | By 2023, the EBCI will develop and begin execution of a comprehensive eco-tourism and outdoor recreation plan for tribal lands. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity, Health |
| Goal PRP.9 | By 2021, the EBCI will develop a General Welfare Exclusion (GWE) program as an alternative to the Per Capita Loan program to deliver monthly, tax-exempt financial assistance to tribal citizens. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | Number of participants in per capita loan program
Number of participants in GWE program |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal PRP.10 | By 2021, the EBCI will implement an Elder’s Trust in addition to the Minor’s Trust to act as a secondary retirement account and/or long-term care payor source for tribal citizens. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | Number of participants with active accounts in Elder’s Trust
Total value of Elder’s Trust |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
Housing (HOU)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will increase opportunities for homeownership and housing rental and aid in maintenance of existing housing units for tribal citizens and workforce. |
| Goal HOU.1 | By 2025, the EBCI will offer dynamic and technologically connected housing options for tribal citizens and workforce. |
| Owner | Secretary of Housing, Edwin Taylor |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal HOU.2 | By 2022, the EBCI will assess and catalog existing tribal lands for housing development. |
| Owner | Secretary of Housing, Edwin Taylor |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal HOU.3 | By 2025, the EBCI will acquire additional lands to develop housing opportunities and expand the tribal land base. |
| Owner | Secretary of Housing, Edwin Taylor |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal HOU.4 | By 2023, the EBCI will develop housing units specifically for at risk citizens. |
| Owner | Secretary of Housing, Edwin Taylor |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Safety, Health |
| Goal HOU.5 | By 2022, the EBCI will increase opportunities in financial literacy centered on budgeting, credit and homeownership for tribal citizens. |
| Owner | Secretary of Treasury, Cory Blankenship |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal HOU.6 | By 2022, the EBCI will develop policies that remove barriers to access for affordable housing and home rehab/maintenance programs. |
| Owner | Secretary of Housing, Edwin Taylor |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
Culture (GWY)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will increase access to language, culture and history for all tribal citizens and the tribal workforce. |
| Goal GWY.1 | By 2023, all EBCI infrastructure development will incorporate elements of Cherokee language, culture and history. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Culture |
| Goal GWY.2 | By 2021, the EBCI will develop and deploy a Cherokee Language Program for tribal employees. |
| Owner | Chief of Staff, Ashleigh Stephens |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Culture |
| Goal GWY.3 | By 2022, the EBCI will develop a strategic plan and creatively deploy technological resources aimed at language preservation. |
| Owner | Secretary of Education, James Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Culture |
| Goal GWY.4 | By 2021, the EBCI will improve awareness of available cultural resources and improve ease of access to those resources. |
| Owner | Secretary of Education, James Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Culture |
| Goal GWY.5 | By 2025, the EBCI will develop and make available resources on Cherokee History, developed by Cherokee People, that is specific to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. |
| Owner | Secretary of Education, James Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Culture |
Education (EDU)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will provide enhanced access to educational opportunities for tribal citizens that will include primary, secondary, vocational and degree program education. |
| Goal EDU.1 | By 2022, the EBCI will improve outcomes including test scores, graduation rates, and student retention among tribal citizens. |
| Owner | Secretary of Education, James Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Education |
| Goal EDU.2 | By 2022, the EBCI will expand early childhood education to include early development programs, enhanced learning experiences, and school readiness programs. |
| Owner | Secretary of Health & Human Services, Vickie Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Education |
| Goal EDU.3 | By 2022, the EBCI will expand programs and enhance opportunities for exceptional tribal citizens. |
| Owner | Secretary of Education, James Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Education |
| Goal EDU.4 | By 2022, the EBCI will strengthen the connection between schools and the community. |
| Owner | Secretary of Education, James Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Education |
| Goal EDU.5 | By 2021, the EBCI will remove barriers in its policies and practices to promote EBCI student success. |
| Owner | Secretary of Education, James Bradley |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Education |
Governance (GOV)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will create a sustainable tribal government with enhanced and efficient systems & government structures. |
| Goal GOV.1 | By 2022, the EBCI will improve its utilization of technology for reporting, data storage, research and monitoring. |
| Owner | Director of Information Technology, Bill Travitz |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal GOV.2 | By 2021, the EBCI will draft and present legislation to enhance the legislative process for greater efficiency including public comment periods, committee structures, and legislative action processes. |
| Owner | EBCI Legislative Branch |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal GOV.3 | By 2021, the EBCI will create and foster a culture where leadership actively promotes innovation, effectiveness, efficiency and accountability for positive citizen experiences. |
| Owner | Chief of Staff, Ashleigh Stephens |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal GOV.4 | By 2022, the EBCI will develop mechanisms to improve and promote communication across the tribal government. |
| Owner | Chief of Staff, Ashleigh Stephens |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal GOV.5 | By 2022, the EBCI will develop and implement comprehensive continuity of government plans to ensure preparedness and adequate response to natural, public health, and manmade disasters. |
| Owner | Chief of Staff, Ashleigh Stephens |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal GOV.6 | By 2025, the EBCI will develop policies and procedures that support the most efficient and effective delivery of services for the benefit of the tribe and tribal members. |
| Owner | |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Education, Safety, Prosperity, Culture |
Natural Resources (NRS)
| Outcome | The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will protect, conserve and enhance the natural environment with a 100-year vision for the future. |
| Goal NRS.1 | By 2023, the EBCI will eliminate the use of single-use plastics by all tribal programs. |
| Owner | Secretary of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Joey Owle |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health |
| Goal NRS.2 | By 2022, the EBCI will develop policies, practices, and regulatory programs that protect and preserve natural resources. |
| Owner | Secretary of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Joey Owle |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety |
| Goal NRS.3 | By 2022, the EBCI will develop a climate action plan to improve community resilience. |
| Owner | Secretary of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Joey Owle |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety |
| Goal NRS.4 | By 2022, the EBCI will complete an innovative redesign of solid waste management on tribal lands. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety |
| Goal NRS.5 | By 2025, all tribal buildings will operate in ways that reduce waste, conserve natural resources and provide healthy indoor environments. |
| Owner | Secretary of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Joey Owle |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety |
| Goal NRS.6 | By 2025, the EBCI will 638 Contract all remaining services of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. |
| Owner | Attorney General, Michael McConnell |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Prosperity |
| Goal NRS.7 | By 2025, the EBCI will improve tribal infrastructure to ensure clean water and sanitary systems. |
| Owner | Secretary of Operations, Jeremy Hyatt |
| Indicators | |
| RBA Goal | Health, Safety |
Summary of Goals
