Born in Tupelo, Oklahoma in 1943, Chief Simeroth is 3/4 Cherokee. Her maternal grandfather was a full blood Cherokee from Arkansas. When she was first born, he took her outside, held her up and said, "This is our 'Little Star'." She continues to use the name, Little Star, today.

Chief Simeroth has served as past Yellow Bird Council Secretary, State Board Secretary, and Yellow Bird Council Chief. In 1996 elected as the State Chief of the Cherokees of California, she is very interested in perpetuating Cherokee ceremonies and traditional Ways. Among her artistic talents, she creates beautiful beaded pictures. Barbara can be reached at chiefstar@infostations.com

Grandma's Poem
Written for State Chief Barbara Simeroth by her ten year-old granddaughter Ashley Hern.

Listen to the Wind
Listen to your Spirit
Listen to the Wolf sing at the Moon
Listen to the Eagle in your Vision
Listen to the Wate
Listen to the Indian tell you to Believe in Yourself.

Sub Chief:
Donald Elder Jr.

Secretary:
Marilyn Lowe

Treasure:
Leuwanna Willams - Laughing Water

Born 1934 in Baxter Spring, Kansas Cherokee on my father’s side and Cherokee and Delaware on my mother’s side. Given my name” Laughing Water” at birth by my mother’s grand mother that raised her. I Have 5 children ages 32- 50, and 7 grand children and one great grand daughter. I Joined the Cherokees of Ca in 1976, wasn't very active until about 1995. Chief Simeroth asks if I would act as her Treasurer in 1996.Voted as Chief of the Yellowbird Council of the Cherokees of CA in 1998.

I worked as a volunteer at the Mormon Library for over 29 years. I also teach, Indian Research at the THC seminars (past 20 years). My children, grand children and I have been involved with American Indian Ed over the last 35 years. I serve as an Elder on the advisor board of American Indian Education, in Feb 2002 was honored as an Elder at State Conference in Los Angles. Drummer with the Tsa-gi-li Thunder Drum group. Enjoys genealogy, beading, sewing, make tear dresses and ribbon shirts.