The Atmore Chamber of Commerce recently honored former Poarch Band of Creek Indian Tribal Chairman Eddie Tallis with its Annual Achievement Award.

According to the tribe, Tallis was chosen to receive this award in recognition of his long career, active involvement in the community and his accomplishments. Locally, it has a significant and positive impact.

“Mr. Tallis has dedicated his life to the betterment and development of people and communities,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Poarch Band of Creek Indian Tribal Chairman and CEO. . “It is an honor to have you represent us and our community as a driving force in making Atmore, Poach Creek Indians, and Alabama a better place to live and work.”

Former PBCI President Eddie L. Tallis has been awarded the 2024 Atmore Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award! His more than 40 years of leadership and service have had a lasting impact on our tribe and community. Congratulations, Tallis!https://t.co/mFITNegagB pic.twitter.com/YJdw8v6iqW

— Poarch Creek Indians (@PoarchCreek) March 4, 2024

For the past 40 years, Tallis has served on the Tribal Council of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and traveled throughout the United States as its representative. He also served as Tribal Chairman for 27 years, from 1978 to 2000, and Vice Chairman of the Creek Indian Enterprise Development Authority (CIEDA).

Additionally, Tallis served as vice president of the National Congress of American Indians. He is the first member of a non-federally recognized tribe to serve in that role. She also served as chair of the National Indian Education Advisory Council (OIE) and the National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Council (NINAETC). Tallis served on the boards of the Trail of Tears Historic Trail Commission, AmeriCorps, United Bank, Leadership Alabama, and Leadership Atmore.

In 2022, Tallis was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.