News & Events

Cherokee Principal Chief Michell Hicks to Speak at UNC Asheville

April 8, 2013

Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will present a talk, "Cherokee Sovereignty: Issues & Institutions," at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in UNC Asheville's Highsmith University Union, Alumni Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Hicks has led the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians since 2003. Having won reelection in 2007 and 2011, Hicks is only the second chief ever to be reelected for a third term. A native of Cherokee, North Carolina, Hicks lives in the Painttown Community of the Qualla Boundary.

Hicks is a certified public accountant and serves on the boards of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, the National Congress of the American Indian, the National Indian Gaming Association and other organizations. He also sits on a joint tribal, state and local government committee focused on homeland security.

Hicks' talk will kick off the Native American Speaker Series, which will continue at UNC Asheville during the 2013-14 academic year. For more information, visit the Cultural Events and Special Academic Programs website or call 828.251.6674.