Our Heritage
The Tshano’kai Velokah Tribal Nation is a sovereign Indigenous Nation with a rich history and cultural heritage. Our people are descendants of the original inhabitants of the region, with a lineage that traces back to ancient times. We have maintained our connection to our ancestral lands and traditions through generations, despite facing numerous challenges and adversities.
Lineage & Ancestry
Our Nation descends from Indigenous ancestors, some of whom are documented in historic public record and many who where later reclassified multiple times through various federal and state policies. We also carry the legacy of Freedmen descendants of U.S. chattel slavery, whose men fought in the Civil War under promises of freedom, land, protection, and recognition of sovereignty. Many of these promises remain unfulfilled; we preserve and uphold them as binding treaty obligations.
Identity & Leadership
The name Tshano’kai Velokah reflects our lineage and cultural identity. Our Chief is Chief Wild Turkey , Head of State and Founding Leader of the Nation.
Our leadership structure is based on traditional governance models, with a council of elders and community leaders who guide the Nation's affairs. We are committed to preserving our cultural heritage while also adapting to contemporary challenges and opportunities.
National Mission
- Protect our ancestral land.
- Maintain sovereign governance.
- Preserve culture, language, and heritage.
- Defend treaty rights and broken promises owed to our people.