Councilors back idea for annual legislative cultural retreat with language instruction and procedural training

A council member proposed creating a legislative cultural retreat to give councilors a chance to be learners and to deepen their knowledge of Cherokee history, language and cultural practice.

The proposal called for an annual retreat with short instructional sessions, a cultural meal and an optional field trip to Red Clay — identified in the discussion as the last council meeting site before Removal, near Blue Hole — and suggested including a basic Robert’s Rules training for new and returning councilors.

Councilor Dora Petzkowski said she would support a focused gathering that allows councilors time away from constituent duties to learn and then share knowledge with their districts. "I would be supportive of that if we could gather somewhere and do something," Petzkowski said.

A separate comment from Councilor Teague emphasized the value of offering a safe space for councilors to learn and model learning for constituents, saying such a session would "set a good example for our citizenry" and that interest in cultural knowledge is strong among citizens.

One councilor recommended separating Robert’s Rules training from the cultural components, suggesting a standalone half-day session at the council house so procedural instruction does not compete with cultural learning. Members discussed coordinating site visits with tribal partners, including potentially meeting with Eastern Band representatives where appropriate.

The council did not set dates or a budget; members generally supported the concept and asked staff to revisit planning in January or February to avoid the holiday season and community events.