Physical Address: 732 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee NC 28719
Mailing Address: PO Box 1630 Cherokee NC 28719
Phone: (828) 497-5507
Toll-Free: (888) 636-4748
Fax: (828) 497-5688

Faculty Biographies

Jacqueline Agtuca
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Jacqueline Agtuca, J.D., (Cherokee) is the Public Policy Director of Clan Star, Inc., (2001–present). Jacqueline has dedicated her legal career to enhancing protections for women by reforming tribal, state and federal law and policy. Ms. Agtuca served as a staff attorney for the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago (1986-1988), Director of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Family Violence Project (1988-1990), and Director of the Criminal Justice Advocacy Unit for the Family Violence Prevention Fund (1990-1995). In 1995, Ms. Agtuca joined the then newly created Violence Against Women Office, USDOJ. In this capacity she played a critical role in establishing current federal policy and programming for tribal governments. In 1999, Jacqueline became the Deputy Director, and then Acting Director, of the USDOJ Office of Tribal Justice. This Office serves as the central point of coordination for USDOJ governmental relations with Indian tribes. In 2000, Ms. Agtuca was appointed Chief of Staff of the National Indian Gaming Commission. She is a founding and current member of the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Native Women. Jacqueline serves as the policy advisor for the Task Force and editor of its Restoration of Safety and Sovereignty Magazine (2003 – present). Jacqueline has authored many written publications including a historical overview of violence against Indian women within the anthology “Sharing Our Stories of Survival.” From 2008 – 2010 Jacqueline served as a member of the USDOJ National Baseline Study Federal Advisory Committee. In November of 2010 she attended on behalf of the NCAI Task Force the UN Periodic Review of the United States.

Tang Cheam
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As Director of Technology for Clan Star, Tang Cheam designs and implements internet-based systems and web applications utilized by Clan Star. He has over 15 years experience working in the technology field. His expertise ranges from network support and server design to proprietary aerospace systems design and improving manufacturing efficiencies through strategic implementation of technology. Tang specializes in hardware implementation, network systems design and implementation, and software-based solutions specific to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. In addition to his work with Clan Star, Tang operates a media studio that focuses on multimedia production of educational materials for non-profits and underrepresented communities. In 2009, Tang completed his Master of Arts from the University of Washington. His graduate work centered on how one community’s adaptation of a cultural practice is being utilized to strengthen participants’ cultural identity. As a survivor of the Cambodian genocide, he dedicates his life’s work to his mother and her unrelenting commitment to her children. Tang is married and the proud father of two daughters, who serve as the inspiration behind his commitment to creating a society that honors women.

Terri Henry
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Terri Henry is of the Longhair Clan of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation. As the Principal Director of Clan Star, she is an agent of change and dedicated to the sovereignty of Indian tribes and native women. In 1996, Terri joined the USDOJ Violence Against Women Office to direct policies and programs for Indian tribes. In this capacity she directed and helped to develop training and technical assistance for over 250 American Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages. Through Terri’s leadership, the first native based federal programming to address violence against Native women became a reality. Ms. Henry initiated training for tribal judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and advocates to enhance tribal governmental efforts to address the safety of Native women. Programming under her direction recognized the sovereignty of Indian Tribes and the principles of self-determination. In 1999, Terri returned home to Cherokee, North Carolina to found the Qualla Women’s Justice Alliance, and in 2001, she founded Clan Star, Inc. She is a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Native Women. Ms. Henry previously has served the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as an Associate Justice of the Cherokee Supreme Court. She also worked with Sacred Circle, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges on the Green book project, and Mending the Sacred Hoop on violence against women initiatives. Terri completed an Independent Study program at the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations with Professor James S. Anaya in Geneva, Switzerland, and has since participated in the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the United Nations in New York City. Ms. Henry worked at the Indian Law Resource Center in Washington, DC and the US Census Bureau in Suitland, Maryland.