Membership and Donations

How to become a tribal member.

If you would like to be considered for membership, please send correspondence to the address below documenting either your blood quantum and/ or your family history. CAC only enrolls the descendants of the Cherokee ancestors who were from the Central Appalachian region. This includes ancestors from eastern Tennessee, eastern Kentucky, southwest Virginia, southern West Virginia and parts of western North Carolina. Those with Cherokee ancestors from other regions of the country may still request to join and will be considered for membership by the tribal council.

What is the membership fee?

CAC is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All monies collected from either memberships or donations are used to put back into the central Appalachian community for philanthropic or educational purposes. Our “Blanket Mission” is used to give a source of comfort to those who may have lost a loved one or property through flood or fire (see more info below.) CAC membership fee is set at a $55 donation per year. Junior members (under 18) are a $35 donation per year (if you are claiming hardship but would still like to join, please contact the tribal council for consideration.) Once members are approved for tribal affiliation, they will be sent a certificate with the CAC seal suitable for framing, as well as a tribal membership card.

The “Blanket Mission”

Historically, a blanket has always been considered a great source of comfort to the Cherokee people. To get one on the Trail of Tears was not only comforting but life-saving. CAC wants to give blankets out in an area that has one of the highest poverty levels in the country, the central Appalachian region. We are networking with police departments, local Red Cross chapters, and other community-based organizations to see that people can have the same source of comfort our ancestors needed during their time of crisis. If you would like to join our Blanket Mission or make a donation toward this cause, please contact us.