The Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories (TIOKT) is the unified tribal government of the Tuscarora people within our ancestral homeland, Kahtehnuʔkye — the Place of the Cypress Tree. Rooted in generations of cultural and governance continuity, TIOKT reflects the enduring strength and unity of our Nation.

For centuries, Tuscarora communities have maintained our identity and autonomy through community leadership, largely through small civic organizations or through places of worship like churches and longhouses. These segments of the same Tuscarora Nation are often referred to as “factions.” This has been used against Tuscarora people to prevent recognition. However, all tribes have various communities and places of worship. Our Nation’s cohesion can be demonstrated by the fact that many Tuscarora have belonged to multiple so-called “factions”–churches, longhouses, and civic groups–we are all one people. 

Like other tribes, local, decentralized government functions well traditionally, but doesn’t enable government-to-government relationships and representation from all Tuscarora people. Today, TIOKT brings these voices together in a unified structure that represents more than 2,000 Tuscarora citizens and upholds the collective will of our people via an elected government.

The Tuscarora of the Carolinas have endured displacement, violence, and dispossession while preserving our identity through language, culture, and strength. That legacy continues in our governance today. Guided by our Constitution and our Creator-endowed rights, TIOKT works to protect our sovereignty, ensure fair representation of our territories, and uphold justice, equality, cultural preservation, education, economic security, and environmental stewardship.

Grounded in unity and our culture and traditions, the Tuscarora Indians of Kahtenuaka Territories remains committed to protecting our people, our lands, and our rightful place in history — now and for generations to come.