In a Facebook announcement Friday, the principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) took a stand against North Carolina’s leadership for his community against COVID-19 lockdowns. Principal Chief Richard Sneed of the Indian tribe in western North Carolina declared they would not abide by Democratic Governor Roy Cooper’s latest lockdown demands.
Sneed wrote, “After considerable research and consideration the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will not be adopting the measures included in the newest Executive Order issued by Governor Roy Cooper.” The EBCI is a sovereign nation whose website says it is governed in a similar way to the United States.
Sneed was not disrespectful to the reality of the novel virus nor its potential dangers. “As Principal Chief of the EBCI I have worked with EBCI public health officials to enact social distancing measures that protect our tribal citizens and guests while balancing the financial position of our community” stated Sneed, whose rationality is a breath of fresh air.
“I will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 in our community and will update our community if further measures are warranted” wrote Sneed. Governor Cooper’s latest executive order began Friday, requiring citizens to stay at home from 10pm to 5am, and requires alcohol sales to end from 9pm to 7am.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, defended the Governor’s order stating, “having more than 7,500 cases is staggering and alarming…we are now seeing the impact of Thanksgiving gatherings. Do not wait until it is you or your loved one alone in the hospital or you are facing the loss of a loved one to wear a mask, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands often. Act now. Please ask yourself what you can do to help slow the spread of the virus and save lives.”
