Joyce Dugan facts for kids

Joyce Dugan (born around 1952) is an important American educator and leader. She served as the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from 1995 to 1999. This group is a federally recognized Native American tribe in Western North Carolina. Joyce Dugan was the first woman ever elected to this top leadership role. She is still the only woman to have held this position.

During her time as Chief, the tribe opened a big casino, Harrah's Cherokee. This brought a lot of economic growth to the tribe. She also worked to improve the tribe's government and protect their culture. She focused on things like the Cherokee language and history.

About Joyce Dugan's Life

Early Life and Education

Joyce Conseen Dugan grew up in Western North Carolina. Her mother was Cherokee, and her father was from Tennessee. She was raised in the Cherokee culture. She is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Joyce went to local public schools. She later studied at Western Carolina University. She earned two degrees in Education there.

A Career in Education

Joyce Dugan started her career helping teachers. After getting her first degree, she became a teacher. She taught at the Cherokee Central Schools. These schools are in Cherokee, North Carolina. They teach children from pre-school through high school.

In 1990, Joyce Dugan became the superintendent of the Cherokee Central Schools. This means she was in charge of the whole school system. She had a strong record as an educator.

Becoming Principal Chief

In 1995, people asked her to run for Principal Chief. She ran against the person who was Chief at the time. Joyce Dugan won the election by a large amount. She became the first woman to lead the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

When she became Chief, the tribe was opening its first casino. This was a big change for the tribe. Joyce Dugan worked to make sure the tribe's money was managed well. She also changed how the government was set up.

She created a new part of the government just for culture. This division used money from the casino. It helped teach the Cherokee language to adults and children. It also worked on bringing back old artifacts. This division helped create museum exhibits and supported education. Joyce Dugan also cared about the environment and health. For example, she started programs to help lower the high rate of diabetes among the Cherokee people.

What She Did Later

After her time as Chief, Joyce Dugan worked for Harrah's Cherokee casino. She helped the tribe learn how to take over the casino business. Later, she became the casino's Director of Public Relations.

In 2002, Joyce Dugan wrote a book called The Cherokee. She wrote it with B. Lynne Harlan. The book shares the history and culture of her tribe.

In 2009, she went back to working in education. She was again appointed as superintendent of the Cherokee Central Schools. She worked in this role until 2011.

Since 2013, Joyce Dugan has been on the Board of Trustees for Western Carolina University. This board helps guide the university. She has served two four-year terms.

Joyce Dugan is also active in her community. She has served on boards for the Cherokee Indian Hospital and other groups. One group, Mainspring Conservation Trust, works with the tribe. They are developing the Nikwasi Trail. This trail will connect and explain sacred Cherokee sites along the Little Tennessee River. In 2020, land with an ancient mound was saved for the tribe.

Honors and Awards

• In 1997, Joyce Dugan received an award from Western Carolina University. It was for being a distinguished former student.
• That same year, she was recognized by the university's College of Education.
• In 2006, she received an honorary degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This was for her work in preserving culture.