TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) – Leaders of three federally recognized Cherokee tribes have met for the first time in their historical homeland since 1838.

Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees and the Eastern Band of Cherokees gathered Friday for a Tri-Council meeting in North Carolina, the home base for the Eastern Band.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker said it's important for the tribes to meet and talk about the things that mean the most to their people. He was joined by United Keetoowah Chief George Wickliffe and Eastern Band Principal Chief Michell Hicks.

According to a statement the Tri-Council approved incorporating the Cherokee syllabary into the Library of Congress.

The group also agreed to combat major diseases affecting Cherokees and to renew the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.