Tuscarora Indians Of Kahtenuaka Territories

09/06/2026

Great to see our Tribal Citizens standing alongside our relatives from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Strengthening relationships, honoring our historical connections, and continuing to move forward together.
Nyà·wę

07/22/2026

The video below speaks for itself.
The North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs (NCCIA) is charged with advising on matters affecting American Indians in North Carolina and administering the statutory process for recognizing tribes that have never before been recognized by the State.

The Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories (TIOKT) are not seeking new recognition. We are seeking the reaffirmation of the Tuscarora's longstanding recognition on behalf of all Tuscarora people. Because of our unique historical and legal circumstances (including our treaty relationship with North Carolina and the NCCIA's own acknowledgment that it lacks statutory authority to reaffirm existing recognition) the Commission advised us during our December 11, 2025 meeting that the legislative process was the appropriate pathway.

This video compares statements made during that December 11, 2025 meeting with statements presented during the July 1, 2026 meeting of the North Carolina House Federal Relations and Indian Affairs Committee.

The four clips address two important issues:

• In December 2025, NCCIA staff stated that legislative action was the proper avenue because the Commission lacked authority to reaffirm our recognition. During the July 1, 2026 committee hearing, that critical context was omitted, creating the impression that the Commission itself was the appropriate or exclusive pathway.

• In December 2025, we were assured that petitions filed by various Tuscarora civic organizations would "have no bearing" on TIOKT and that our government would be considered separately. Yet during the July 1 hearing, TIOKT was publicly associated with prior petition efforts, conflating our government with unrelated petitioners. When stating that prior petitions were denied, no effort was made to distinguish TIOKT from those prior petitioners.

Transparency and consistency matter. Legislators deserve complete and accurate information when considering matters of public policy, and the Tuscarora people deserve to have our status evaluated on its own merits and historical record.

Ultimately, the committee charged with Indian affairs made the determination that we are worthy of the reaffirmation of our recognition. As our bill progresses through the legislature, we hope to receive equally fair treatment based on the facts.

We encourage everyone to watch the video, compare the statements for themselves, and draw their own conclusions.

07/12/2026

Congratulations to Chief Harold "Buster" Hatcher!

The Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories extends our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to Chief Harold "Buster" Hatcher on his retirement as Chief of the Waccamaw Indian People.

For decades, Chief Hatcher has been a steadfast leader, dedicating his life to preserving the history, culture, and sovereignty of the Waccamaw Indian People. His leadership has strengthened not only his own tribal nation, but Indigenous communities throughout the Carolinas. He has been a tireless advocate for Native rights, leaving a legacy that will benefit generations to come.

Chief Hatcher has also been a valued friend of the Tuscarora People. We are especially grateful for his support of the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories and our pursuit of recognition. His encouragement, guidance, and willingness to stand alongside us, including signing the Waccamaw Indian People's letter endorsing our recognition efforts, reflect his belief that tribal nations should support one another in preserving their identities and securing justice.

The accompanying video captures a meaningful moment from Chief Hatcher's retirement celebration, where TIOKT Council Member Tony Clark honored him in song, on behalf of our Nation. It was our privilege to recognize a leader whose service has earned the respect and friendship of so many.

As one chapter closes, another begins. We also extend our warmest congratulations to Chief Cheryl Cail as she assumes leadership of the Waccamaw Indian People. We look forward to continuing the strong government-to-government relationship and friendship between our Nations as we work together to strengthen Indigenous communities throughout the Carolinas.

Congratulations, Chief Hatcher!

‘Skę·nęɁ (Peace) and best wishes from the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories.

07/07/2026

Understanding the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories

Many people have asked questions about Tuscarora history and government, and about how our communities, longhouses, churches, and organizations work together.

Today, we are pleased to share a new publication that answers those questions.

Understanding the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories: Community Context and the Formation of the Modern Tuscarora Government explains:

• Who the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories are

• Why a representative tribal government was established

• How TIOKT relates to longhouses, churches, and community (tribal) organizations

• The history and formation of the modern TIOKT government

• Frequently asked questions about citizenship, governance, and community life

Drawing upon historical records, early committee minutes, organizational documents, enrollment records, governing documents, and other primary sources, this publication provides an overview of the historical evolution of Tuscarora self-government in the Carolinas and the establishment of the modern representative government.

Our hope is that this resource will help tribal citizens, neighboring tribes, educators, government officials, researchers, and members of the public better understand who we are and why we exist.

The Tuscarora People have endured in the Carolinas for countless generations. Governments and institutions evolve, but our people remain one Nation.

We invite you to read the publication, share it with others, and join us as we continue working to preserve our history, strengthen our communities, and build a brighter future for the next seven generations.

📖 Read the publication here:https://tiokt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Understanding-the-Tuscarora-Indians-of-Kahtenuaka-Territories.pdf

07/02/2026

We are grateful to see the story of House Bill 600 and the Tuscarora people being shared with readers across North Carolina.

Like the Eastern Band of Cherokee and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, we also remained in our homelands and maintained autonomy while governments chose to deal with the factions who left. Like us, the Cherokee and the Seminole who remained in their respective homelands remained unrecognized for decades or centuries after those who left. Although they held treaties with settler governments, they had to fight for recognition. Our case is no different.

For more than three centuries, our ancestors have preserved our identity and community despite extraordinary challenges. HB 600 represents an opportunity for North Carolina law to more accurately reflect North Carolina history by reaffirming the State Recognition of the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories. The bill continues to move through the legislative process after receiving bipartisan support in the House Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs Committee.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Representative Ed Goodwin and the bipartisan group of legislators who have championed this effort, as well as to everyone who has stood with us throughout this journey.

Most importantly, we thank our elders, citizens, youth, historians, language teachers, council members, volunteers, and friends. This milestone belongs to all of you, the ancestors, and to the generations to come.

Although we are not done, we must recognize this historic moment. We look forward to continuing this journey through the North Carolina General Assembly.

Nyà·węɁ

The Native American tribe has been fighting for decades for state recognition.

07/01/2026

Today marks a major milestone in a journey spanning more than 300 years.

We are honored to announce that House Bill 600 has passed the North Carolina House Federal Relations and Indian Affairs Committee, bringing us one step closer to the reaffirmation of North Carolina State Recognition for the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Representative Ed Goodwin for his unwavering leadership, steadfast advocacy, and commitment to justice. We are also grateful to the members of the House Federal Relations and Indian Affairs Committee who asked thoughtful questions, listened carefully, and voted in favor of HB 600.

Thank you as well to House Speaker Destin Hall, Rules Chairman John Bell, Chairman Bill Ward, Representatives Carla Cunningham and Howard Penny, and everyone who has supported this effort.

Most importantly, we thank our tribal citizens, elders, youth, language teachers, historians, council members, volunteers, and friends. This milestone belongs to you—and to the generations of Tuscarora ancestors who preserved our identity, language, culture, and community.

Our work is not finished, but today we celebrate meaningful progress for ALL Carolina Tuscarora people.

House Bill 600 does not create the Tuscarora people. It simply allows North Carolina law to catch up with North Carolina history, and it allows us to do so through the only possible option for an already-recognized, treaty-holding people. The NCCIA administrative petition process is governed by statute for unrecognized petitioners and does not provide a pathway for us.

Nya:węh. We look forward to continuing this journey through the General Assembly.

06/27/2026

We are proud to recognize our tribal citizens who are performing in The Lost Colony, the nation’s longest-running outdoor drama. Their participation reflects the continued presence, strength, and cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples in the Carolinas and beyond.

Last evening, Governor Josh Stein attended the performance and took time to meet with members of the Native cast.

This year’s Native cast proudly represents the following tribal nations:
• Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories
• Catawba Nation
• Cherokee Nation
• Chickahominy Indian Tribe
• Coharie
• Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
• Mni Wakan Oyate (Spirit Lake Tribe)

We are honored to see our citizens sharing their talents and helping educate thousands of visitors through authentic Indigenous representation, both on stage and during the cultural demonstrations that take place before the main show. Congratulations to everyone involved in another outstanding season at The Lost Colony.

05/05/2026

https://tonijollyphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/3acff05a-341b-4904-93f2-a8c250419e01

RISE OF THE FLOWER MOON POW WOW

05/02/2026

Thank you Raquel Painter, Onslow County Veterans PowWow, for joining and guiding TIOKT with our first annual Rise Of The Flower Moon PowWow 🌸🌙

Just a little glimpse into what to look forward to on Sunday at Carteret County Speedway!

The 1st Annual Native American Powwow and Car Show! FREE to the Public!

More Info: carteretspeedway.com
Carteret County Speedway.
https://youtu.be/zASoVdbdcJs?si=BJOY9PTQMZpmxilW

Free Native American Powwow returns to Carteret County

04/28/2026

Rise of the Flower Moon Powwow
RESCHEDULED — Sunday, May 3, 2026
Carteret County Speedway

Everyone is welcome! Come honor tradition and experience the rich heritage of the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories and other Indigenous nations through dance, artisan crafts, and traditional foods.

• Grand Entry at 1:00 PM
Free and open to the public
& Classic Car Show
* Registration: 9:00 AM
* Judging Begins: 12:00 PM
* Awards: 2:00 PM

More Information: carteretspeedway.com
Join us for a day of culture, community, and celebration. Be sure to mark your calendars-you won't want to miss this special event.