The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians now have two casinos in operation, and that has generated significant changes, including a sweeping change of its tribal leadership.
The tribe recently elected new Principal Chief Patrick Lambert to oversee its gaming expansion, replacing former Principal Chief Michell Hicks, who held the position for the past dozen years and did not seek another term.
Lambert shook up the tribal government to make it more efficient and responsive to members’ needs, and installed a new head of the Tribal Gaming Commission, which Lambert previously headed, and Hicks took over after Lambert won the Principal Chief position.
Lambert said the tribal government under Hicks was run poorly, and he removed televisions from workers’ offices and demanded they answer the phone more often to provide better service for tribal members.
Hicks also faced scrutiny for raises he and other tribal officials gave themselves, which led to membership unrest and a lawsuit seeking to reverse them.
While Lambert is busy cleaning up tribal affairs, the tribe also opened an $82 million hospital, which it took over from the Indian Health Service and built to promote members’ wellness and enhance tribal self-determination.
