We are the Alapaha River Band of Cherokee Inc., a 501C3 non-profit tribal organization. Our Tribal office is located  in Jennings, Florida, Hamilton County. Our tribe is named for the Alapaha River and the Indian tribes who at one time were located in the area. We are not exactly sure how many Indian tribes once lived, farmed, trapped furs and traded around the Alapaha River area, but we believe that there was Cherokee Tribes. We do know they brought their goods for sale or exchange, to the Trading Post which was called Micco, located on the river. A picture of the Micco Trading Post is on the photo section of this website.

The trading post no longer stands and there is no evidence left to show where it once stood, only pictures in the library. A historical sign, at the Alapaha River Bridge on Hwy 41, which had information about the trading post, has been removed and replaced with no parking signs. It is said though, that if you walk the river bed when it is dry, and you believe in the Great Spirit, you can hear their drums beating in the distance.

We would like to bring back some of this history and culture. If we band together we can do so. Our goal is to re-unite our people and walk the Red Road together. If you have just one drop of Indian blood, to us you are considered an Indian. Whether you choose to be one is your choice, however, you are still our brother or sister. Unlike most tribal units, you do not have to prove your heritage to belong to our tribe. We also accept those who do not have Indian blood as members. The only difference in the blood quantum is, those who do not claim Indian blood quantum, can not hold a position in the council.

Membership meetings are held every month on the first Saturday of the month. The meeting time is at 2:00 PM in the afternoon.

The Board Members Meeting is held every month on the second Saturday of the month.

The meeting time is at 2:00 PM in the afternoon.

There will be some kind of snack and drink served at these meetings. Anyone that would like to donate a dish or some drinks for these meetings are encouraged to do so.

We also have a yearly membership meeting on the first Saturday in October. This day is traditionally called the Harvest Festival. It is a celebration and time to give thanks to the Great Spirit for the harvest of the crops. There is music, drumming, sometimes Indian dancing and there is always plenty of good food. 

We invite you to come join us on our journey down the Red Road. There is an application on this site, that you can download and print out. Once it is filled out, have it notarized, send it along with your lifetime membership fee of $10 to the address on the top of the application. If you want your picture on your card when it is mailed back to you, please include a passport photo, otherwise your photo can be taken at one of the membership meetings and then put on your card. After we receive your application, your membership card will be mailed to you within a couple weeks.

If you have any questions you may contact me,

Principal Chief; "Walk With Spirit" Joan Thomas Nelson