The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation or the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), (Cherokee: ᏣᎳᎩᏱ ᏕᏣᏓᏂᎸᎩ, Tsalagiyi Detsadanilvgi) is a federally recognized Native American tribe in the United States of America, who are descended from the small group of 800 Cherokee who remained in the Eastern United States after the Indian removal act moved the other 15000 Cherokee to the west in the 19th century, but only on the condition that they assimilate and renounce Cherokee identity. The history of the Eastern Band closely follows that of the Qualla Boundary. The EBCI also own, hold, or maintain additional lands in the vicinity, and as far away as 100 miles from the Qualla Boundary.