HOLLYWOOD — The leaders of four tribes in the Southeast U.S. signed an accord April 18 in a ballroom at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

In front of about 30 people, Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr., Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Chairman Talbert Cypress, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell Hicks and Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben sat next to each other at a small table and signed a document – referred to as the Accord of Nations – to create an organization that thleaders say will focus on important areas and interests shared by the four tribes, including economic development, culture and sovereignty.

“Our shared histories and common struggles have made us stronger. This Accord is a testament to our resilience and a commitment to building a future that honors our past while securing the well-being of our people,” Chairman Osceola said in a statement.

The accord contains a preamble and six articles. The first article reaffirms the tribes’ shared friendship and values, including “…our common histories of steadfast resistance to forced removals from our homelands…”

“This alliance strengthens our collective voice in advocating for the protection of our traditional lands and ways of life,” said Chairman Cypress in a statement. “Together, we will continue to uphold our traditions and the sovereignty that our ancestors fought so hard to preserve.”

Article 2 mentions the tribes’ commitment in solidarity “…to collaborate on issues affecting our cultural and political sovereignty, including economic development opportunities, protection and reclamation of sacred lands, and assertion of our hunting, fishing, and gathering rights…”

“For generations, our Nations have stood together in the face of adversity, safeguarding our cultures, lands, and rights,” Principal Chief Hicks said in a statement. “This Accord formalizes our historic ties and strengthens our commitment to protecting and advocating for our people today and into the future.”

In article 4, the tribes agree to carry out the work of the alliance without accepting funds from the U.S. government and state governments. The accord also deems meetings will be held at least twice annually. Still to come will be a variety of decisions, including how the organization will be comprised, its rules and a name.

“The next meeting will be for the bylaws. [The signing] is the first step in creating this partnership accord,” Chairman Osceola said after the signing. “This Accord represents a new era of cooperation, ensuring that we stand together to protect our sovereignty and uphold our responsibilities to future generations,” Chief Ben said in a statement.

In the late 1960s, the same four tribes formed the organization United Southeastern Tribes, which is now United South and Eastern Tribes (USET). The tribes said they will remain members of USET, which has grown to 33 tribes that stretch throughout the southeast, mid-Atlantic and northeast from Maine to Texas.