Sequoyah Fund intern and current Miss Cherokee, Faith Long, was awarded a prestigious 25 Under 25 Native Youth Leaders award at the National UNITY Conference 2018 in San Diego, California. The award is given every other year to twenty-five outstanding Native American youths aged 14-25 who exhibit laudable character and leadership in Indian Country. According to UNITY, the award “recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Native youth leaders under the age of 25, who embody UNITY’s core mission and exudes living a balanced life developing their spiritual, mental, physical and social well-being.”

Faith is a rising junior majoring in Business Administration and Management at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. She is the daughter of the late Ronald Eugene (Ronnie) Long and Sheila Conner and the big sister of Hope and Jacob Long. She resides in the Big Witch community and is the dog-mom of Aquilla, the official office dog and mascot of The Sequoyah Fund.

Faith is an exemplary representative of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and her character, determination, and passion for tribal leadership will benefit her and the EBCI. We are proud to have her as our Intern.