The Yupaha Kongaree Maipuri Tribe is an Indigenous tribal nation with deep ancestral roots in the Southeastern United States. Our lineage traces back to Chieftess Aioyna Yupaha’s great-grandmother, Daisy Johnson, a proud member of the Eastern Cherokee and Catawba tribes of South Carolina. For generations, our people have carried the traditions, wisdom, and resilience of our ancestors, standing as stewards of the land and protectors of our sacred heritage.

Our Ancestral Legacy

The name Yupaha Kongaree Maipuri embodies the strength, spirit, and enduring legacy of our people. Our ancestors were traders, artisans, warriors, and knowledge keepers, deeply connected to the land and waterways of the Southeast. The Catawba, known as the “People of the River,” played a vital role in shaping our cultural identity, while our Cherokee lineage enriched our traditions of governance, storytelling, and spiritual practices. Through Chieftess Aioyna Yupaha’s direct lineage to Daisy Johnson, we honor the unwavering leadership of our matriarchs, whose sacrifices and wisdom continue to guide us today.