`  :::::Proceed with caution! Here is the legal side: there are definitely not 28 state-recognized Cherokee groups in the United States.  Many quasi-tribal groups have extensive websites and make all sorts of claims, and post pictures with ``tribal members`` with politicians, but they are usually not ``state-recognized.``  State recognition is brought about by the legislature of the state in question passing a law recognizing the ``tribe.``  Governor proclamations and ``resolutions`` by state legislatures do not confer legal status.  In the alternative, a state can create an -agency-, much like a mini BIA, which is empowered to ``recognize`` tribes.  For a clear example, see the Alabama Indian affairs commission at http://aiac.state.al.us/.  I would venture to say that there are perhaps 6 state-rec Cherokee groups, in the strictest legal sense, in the entire United States.   `