Thread by @jarue369

Cherokee tribes mostly have two chiefs.
One for making war, and one for making decisions during peaceful times. Within the community was a council house built next to the stream, so that council members could purify themselves in the water before and after ceremonies.

The Head men served as advisers to either the Peace or War chief. The War Chief usually came from the Wolf clan and the peace Chief usually came from the Long hair clan, also known as the Twister Clan.

Each village had two governmental units comprised of a white and red government. During times of peace the white government had complete control of all affairs dealing with the village. This government consisted of older and wiser men who would not make foolish decisions.

In times of war all duties fell on the red government which consisted of younger men who would do well in battle. There was also a Medicine Chief who would break the tie during voting when the Red Chief and White Chief could not agree on an issue.

White government consisted of the Chief of the tribe, the chief's right-hand man, prime counselors, a council of elders, a chief speaker, and a Council of Grandmothers. This is the organization that made the decisions which affected the tribe during their times of peace.

Red government consisted of a Great Red War Chief, his Second, seven War Counselors, the Chief War Speaker, Messengers, Ceremonial Officers, and War Scouts. The seven war counselors were in charge of declaring war when they felt the circumstances made it necessary.

The Council of Grandmothers would declare the fate of captives and prisoners that were taken in times of war.