Dugan, Joyce, 1952-

Former Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation, a teacher and former superintendent of schools, Joyce Dugan has been a mover and a shaper. Elected to office in 1995, Dugan advocated for employment rights for the Cherokee and argued that entrepreneurial efforts by the Cherokee should be rewarded by hiring rights and management placement for qualified individuals. She worked to spread the operation of government to a body of advisors, rather than continue a practice that gave most of the power to the Chief. In keeping with government reform, she argued for a new constitution that would consolidate the best from three existing constitutions. In her advocacy for a responsible Cherokee government, she sought a revitalization of Cherokee culture and established a cultural division of government that would look at cultural heritage issues such as language, repatriation, museum exhibit, and education. She also put the Cherokee on the record with other environmentalists who seek to find solutions for air pollution, water quality, and responsible game laws. She promoted improved health standards for the Cherokee, particularly emphasizing the need to address diabetes which has a high incidence in the Cherokee Nation. Long an advocate for Appalachian issues and for the Cherokee, Joyce's exceptional leadership ability has raised community and national awareness of Cherokee issues and culture. Her work continues today for her people and for the women of western North Carolina.

Ms. Dugan, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has an extensive background in education and served for five years as Superintendent of the Cherokee Central Schools. In 1995, she ran for and won the office of Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She is the first woman to hold this office and to date, the only woman to hold this office. During her tenure as Chief, the tribe recovered the property on which the “mother town” of Kituwah was located. In 2006 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for her efforts towards cultural preservation.

On Thursday, an $82 million resort casino will open its doors on the reservation, bringing with it the promise of 1,100 full-time jobs and annual tribal profits exceeding $50 million. Every member of the tribe will get a check for a share of the annual profits.

One of the poorest Indian tribes in the country is about to get rich.

Former Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation, a teacher and former superintendent of schools, Joyce Dugan has been a mover and a shaper. Elected to office in 1995, Dugan advocated for employment rights for the Cherokee and argued that entrepreneurial efforts by the Cherokee should be rewarded by hiring rights and management placement for qualified individuals. She worked to spread the operation of government to a body of advisors, rather than continue a practice that gave most of the power to the Chief. In keeping with government reform, she argued for a new constitution that would consolidate the best from three existing constitutions. In her advocacy for a responsible Cherokee government, she sought a revitalization of Cherokee culture and established a cultural division of government that would look at cultural heritage issues such as language, repatriation, museum exhibit, and education. She also put the Cherokee on the record with other environmentalists who seek to find solutions for air pollution, water quality, and responsible game laws. She promoted improved health standards for the Cherokee, particularly emphasizing the need to address diabetes which has a high incidence in the Cherokee Nation. Long an advocate for Appalachian issues and for the Cherokee, Joyce's exceptional leadership ability has raised community and national awareness of Cherokee issues and culture. Her work continues today for her people and for the women of western North Carolina. Sources: Vertical Files, UNCA