The Cherokee Language Consortium is the result of an agreement between the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, along with Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and Western Carolina University. The Consortium develops new Cherokee words and curriculum for teaching language.

Each of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes appoints fluent Cherokee speakers and second language learners to the Consortium. Meetings are held quarterly with each tribe acting as a rotating host. The Consortium is governed by bylaws and has an elected set of leadership positions voted on by Consortium members.