Council Members

Chief Jim Davis has dedicated his life to service — first to his country in the United States Army, then to his people as Chief of the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas. He descends from a long line of Cherokee chiefs and carries that legacy forward with humility and purpose. Under his leadership the tribe has grown in membership, launched the Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry, and advanced its pursuit of state and federal reinstatement.

James "Buddy" Alexander serves as the District 1 Representative on the Tribal Council. A dedicated voice for his district, Buddy attends council meetings, advocates for community needs, and supports the tribe's programs and sovereignty efforts. His commitment to the Chickamauga Cherokee people reflects the deep roots his family has in the Arkansas River Valley.

R.L. Adams serves as Assistant Chief of the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas. He supports the Chief in all governance matters, leads community outreach and tribal relations, and assists in recognition and legislative efforts while working to preserve Chickamauga Cherokee traditions.

Tom Berryhill serves as Assistant Chief of the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas, supporting the Chief in all governance matters and helping advance the tribe's recognition efforts, community programs, and cultural preservation.

Ken Hodges serves as Chief Magistrate of the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas. As the tribe's chief judicial officer, he oversees matters of tribal law and governance, ensuring that the rights and traditions of the Chickamauga Cherokee people are upheld with fairness and integrity. A proud tribal member, Ken's service reflects his deep commitment to his people and the sovereignty of the tribe.

Bill Hefley represents District 2 on the Tribal Council, attending council meetings and advocating for the needs of tribal members in his district. He is committed to supporting tribal programs and the ongoing sovereignty and recognition efforts of the Chickamauga Cherokee people.

Billy Wayne Noblett Sr. serves as the District 3 Representative, bringing the concerns and voices of his district to the Tribal Council. He is a steadfast supporter of Cherokee cultural preservation and the tribe's community programs.

Dustin Morris represents District 4 on the Tribal Council, advocating for his district's tribal members and supporting the tribe's programs and governance. He attends council meetings and works alongside fellow council members to advance the tribe's mission.

Bobby Gideon serves as the District 5 Representative on the Tribal Council. He is a dedicated advocate for the tribal members of his district and a committed supporter of the Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe's cultural and governance efforts.

Lowell Ray "Buster" Berryhill represents District 6 on the Tribal Council. He attends council meetings, advocates for the needs of his district's tribal members, and supports the tribe's programs and ongoing recognition efforts.

Charlie and Diane Davis serve as Spiritual Guides for the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas. Rooted in Cherokee tradition and ceremony, they provide spiritual counsel, prayer, and guidance to tribal members and leadership. Their presence at gatherings and ceremonies helps keep the sacred ways of the Chickamauga Cherokee people alive and honored.

Dennis Gilmore serves as a Tribal Elder of the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas. As an elder, he carries the wisdom, traditions, and memory of the Cherokee people, offering guidance to tribal members and council. His knowledge and dedication to the tribe's heritage are a vital part of the community.

Charles Young is a proud member of the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas, contributing to the strength and continuity of the Cherokee community. A Native veteran, he carries the warrior spirit of his ancestors with honor and dedication to his people.

Running Eagle serves as a Tribal Elder of the Sovereign Chickamauga Cherokee Tribe of Arkansas. As an elder, he carries the wisdom, traditions, and sacred knowledge of the Chickamauga Cherokee people, offering guidance and counsel to tribal members and leadership. His presence and dedication help keep the ways of the Cherokee alive for future generations.

Gayla Rachell Milam is a lifelong Arkansan, a registered lobbyist since 2017, and a devoted advocate for the Cherokee Chickamauga Tribe.

Born and raised in Pope County, Gayla is the daughter of Ralph and Barbara Mulder and the granddaughter of Eugene and Retha Hodges — all members of the Cherokee Chickamauga Tribe. She grew up on Round Rock Road in Russellville, deeply rooted in her family, Arkansas, and her Cherokee Chickamauga heritage.

Her grandfather Eugene lived in a time when his Indian identity could not always be spoken of openly. Generations earlier, the 1828 treaty had required the Western Cherokee to surrender their Arkansas lands and leave the territory. That history of removal, displacement, and generations who learned to keep their heritage close is deeply personal to Gayla and her family.

Married for 25 years and the proud mother of two daughters, Gayla now resides in Fort Smith. She created this website to preserve our history, honor our ancestors, tell our story in our own words, and amplify the voice of the Cherokee Chickamauga people.

Our ancestors endured. We remember. We remain. And our story will be heard.