Joyce Dugan

Joyce Dugan (born c.1952, Cherokee) is an American educator, school administrator, and politician; she served as the 24th Principal Chief of the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (1995-1999), based in Western North Carolina. She was the first woman to be elected to this office, and as of 2024 the only one.

Joyce Dugan
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief
In office
1995–1999
Preceded byGerard Parker
Succeeded byLeon Jones
Personal details
Bornc.1952
Western North Carolina

Leading the tribe when it opened Harrah's Cherokee, a major gaming casino in November 1997, Dugan managed a time of economic expansion for the tribe. She worked to restructure the government and adopt more financial controls. She also established a cultural division in tribal government, working on "cultural heritage issues such as language, repatriation, museum exhibit, and education." Dugan was also active in environmental issues and health.

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