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CHEROKEE, NC - Former Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (1973-83), John A. Crowe, 83, pased on Wednesday at his home.

John A. Crowe, Principal Chief Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (1973-83)

Chief Crowe had also held office as Vice-Principal Chief and as an elected member of the EBCI Tribal Council. Crowe held th office of principal chief when the Self-Determination Act, was passed by Congress. The Act required tribes to assume leadership of programs formerly managed by the U. S. Federal Government.

Tribal Council Chairman Dan McCoy said, "He was opposed to all that, he called it the ‘termination act. We were coming off poverty and living off the government to self-determination. Congress was trying to make tribes take over programs with no additional funding. And there was no mechanism in place for that."

After Principal Chief Noah Powell's death, in April of 1971, Crowe became the EBCI's Principal Chief. Chief Crowe was elected two more four-year terms. Crowe is remembered today as a decisive leader.

Carroll Crowe, Chief Crowe's son, is now serving as the Eastern Band’s Vice-Principal Chief. Many on the reservation believe that Carroll Crowe will follow his father and also be elected principal chief someday.

"The John Crowe firmly believes higher education for tribe members was the key to the Eastern Band’s future." Dan McCoy said adding, "He (Chief Crowe) said we’d never get ahead if we didn’t get educated, he was one of the first chiefs who saw education was a factor."

Chief Crowe, graduated for the Cherokee High School graduate, and served in the Army during World War II. Crowe worked for the Cherokee Historical Association from 1951-1970 and also served as head of maintenance for the outdoor drama 'Unto These Hills' for many years.

"Chief John Crowe was a good friend and advisor and he will be deeply missed by myself and my family", Principal Chief Leon Jones said.

The funeral and burial arrangements will be announced by the Moody Funeral Home in Sylva.