American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis Program

Phillip Dixon, American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis Program Manager, can be reached via email.

There are two federally recognized tribes in Tennessee which own land - the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in East Tennessee and the Choctaw Indians in the Western Part of Tennessee.  These are the only two that are recognized by the federal government and that own land.  NRCS works with landowners and these are groups that we could work with.  There are five to seven other Indian groups that are recognized by the State of Tennessee.  There are also some Indian groups in Tennessee that are not recognized by any level of government but still are considered as American Indians. 

I encourage all offices and employees to learn more about the American Indian cultures in Tennessee and participate in community activities surrounding American Indians.