This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Hi2.2ACIB/5964.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1 Message Board Post: I agee with Joan on several points. 1. This debate probably is more appropriate in the Native American boards, 2. My wife of over 40 years is a Tribal member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas so I can claim some first hand knowledge of Tribal politics, not only of this Tribe, but several others with whom I deal on a daily basis. In the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, the Chief is an elected position, elected for life. There is no hereditary "royal" family. My wife's uncle is Chief, but she is not a "princess"(although to me she is). The only princess is one chosen by popular vote each year to represent the Tribe. This same setup is common in many Tribes. The governing body is the Tribal Council and the political head is the Chairman of the Council, also an elective position. This holds true in most Tribes with which I am familiar. For a wealth of info go to "North American Indian Tribes" or "Running Deer's Longhouse". Both of these are excellent sites. If anyone wishes to carry on the debate privately Email me at "tottka@samlink.com". Am always happy to receive or dole out info.