Richard Sneed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Sneed
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians | |
| In office May 26, 2017 – October 2, 2023 |
|
| Preceded by | Patrick Lambert |
| Succeeded by | Michell Hicks |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 20, 1967 |
| Nationality | Eastern Band Cherokee, American |
| Spouses |
Trina Sneed
(divorced)
|
| Parents | Richard and Patricia Sneed |
| Education |
|
| Occupation | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
Richard G. Sneed, born on December 20, 1967, is a leader from the Cherokee people. He served as the 28th Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This is a very important role, like being the main leader or president of their nation. He became Chief after the previous Chief, Patrick Lambert, was removed from office.
Contents
About Richard Sneed's Life
Richard Sneed grew up in the Wolfetown Community. This area is part of the Qualla Boundary, which is the land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He went to Cherokee High School in North Carolina.
Education and Early Career
After high school, Mr. Sneed joined the United States Marine Corps. He also studied at Universal Technical Institute in Arizona. Later, he attended Southwestern Community College in North Carolina. He earned a teaching license for industrial arts.
Mr. Sneed used his education to become a teacher. He taught hands-on vocational classes at Cherokee High School. He was even recognized as the "National Classroom Teacher of the Year" by the National Indian Education Association. He also served as a senior pastor at the Christ Fellowship Church of Cherokee. Richard Sneed and his ex-wife Trina raised five children.
Richard Sneed's Political Journey
Richard Sneed began his journey as an elected tribal leader in 2015. He won the election to become the Principal Vice-Chief in September 2015. He officially started this role in October 2015.
Becoming Principal Chief
The person serving as Principal Chief before him was Patrick Lambert. In May 2017, the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians removed Chief Lambert from his position. After this, Richard Sneed became the Principal Chief. This was only the second time a Chief had been removed in this way since the 1800s.
After Sneed became Principal Chief, the role of Principal Vice-Chief became empty. In September 2017, Alan B. Ensley took on the title of Principal Vice-Chief. Richard Sneed spoke about the need for "healing" in the community after the change in leadership.
Re-election and Later Years
Richard Sneed was re-elected as Principal Chief in 2019. This meant he would serve a full term. During his time as Chief, he signed a new law in April 2023. This law changed how the public could access police body camera footage. The new rule made it similar to North Carolina state law.
In 2023, Richard Sneed ran for re-election again but did not win. Michell Hicks, a former Chief, was elected to the position instead.
