As an expert in the field of Native American studies, I am well-versed in the history and current status of various tribes across the United States. The Cherokee tribe is one of the most historically significant and populous Native American tribes in the country. Today, the Cherokee people reside in several locations, primarily divided into two main groups: the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is primarily located in North Carolina, within the Qualla Boundary, a reservation established in the 19th century. This reservation covers approximately 56,000 acres and is home to a significant portion of the Eastern Band's population. The Eastern Band has its own government, with a principal chief and tribal council, and they are recognized as a sovereign entity by the federal government of the United States.

On the other hand, the Cherokee Nation is based in Oklahoma and is the largest of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes. After the tragic event known as the Trail of Tears in the 1830s, many Cherokees were forcibly relocated from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to present-day Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation has a substantial population, with over 100,000 enrolled tribal members, and it operates under its own constitution and government, which includes an elected chief and deputy chief.

Both groups maintain a strong cultural identity and work to preserve their language, traditions, and heritage. They also face contemporary challenges, such as economic development, education, and health care within their communities. The Cherokee people are actively involved in various initiatives to ensure the continuation of their culture and to address the social and political issues that impact their lives.

The Cherokee tribe's history is marked by resilience and adaptation, and their presence today is a testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to their ancestral ways. The tribe's legal name in North Carolina is indeed the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which is an important distinction that recognizes their unique status and history within the state.

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Today the Eastern Band includes about 11,000 members, while the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma claims more than 100,000 members, making the Cherokee the second largest tribe in the United States. Back to the questions-- The legal name for the Cherokee people in North Carolina is: --The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.--read more >>