Painttown Rep. Terri Henry, a national advocate on Native women’s rights, speaks to the USET Board of Directors on VAWA issues during a meeting in May. (USET photo)

“This is an effort to preserve the legacy of our community,” said USET president Brian Patterson.  “The backbone of that legacy is held by our earth mothers to the mother earth.  USET wants to reinforce and build upon the work that is being done by so many to improve Tribal capacity to effectively enforce the new laws and initiatives that have been given to us through the VAWA reauthorization so that we are not just building safe neighborhoods, but healthy neighborhoods.  Once again we owe this work to our Native women, because they nurture our families and give us life in so many ways.  When our mothers and daughters live in fear, this creates an unstable community and destroys our community health.  That is why creating this workgroup is so important.”

Painttown Rep. Terri Henry, co-chair of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Task Force on Violence Against Native Women, informed members of the USET Board of Directors in May that DOJ is going to offer assistance for Tribes in the form of grants.  Grants to Indian Tribal Government Programs could help Tribal government and courts build programs for code and legal policy development, prevention of sex trafficking and youth victimization.  Rep. Henry says this is one resource that will really help Indian Country build capacity to handle domestic violence and sexual assault with respect to law enforcement, Tribal courts and incarceration.

“We have to make sure our I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed,” she said.  “There is a lot at stake and we have to be better and exceed expectations.”

Advocates like Rep. Henry and NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Johnson-Pata are urging Tribes to take advantage of resources and build their capacity to investigate, prosecute, and incarcerate non-Native’s accused of domestic violence and sexual assault, which is now permitted by VAWA.

Rep. Henry added, “We want all Tribes to be a part of the collective problem solving and solution finding that will create an effective system of justice to carry out this new law (VAWA).  Our ultimate goal is safety for our Native women, which is an important aspect of our Tribal sovereignty.  With USET’s effort to develop a workgroup, that’s ensuring we meet the unique needs of our Tribes which will make VAWA effective.”

According to Rep. Henry, advocates and Tribes are now awaiting Congressional appropriations to support Grants to Indian Tribal Government Programs.  She says the grants should be available to all Tribes who have basic justice systems in place like courts, prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement.

- USET

Team EBCI is shown (left-right) at the Parade of Nations at the opening of the Jim Thorpe Native American Games held June 9-15 in Oklahoma City: Raymond Taylor, Jack Walkingstick, Tavi Rivera, Bud Smith, Tagan Crowe, and Michael Montelongo. (Photo by Radonna Crowe)

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was represented in wrestling and golf at the annual Jim Thorpe Native American Games held June 9-15 in Oklahoma City.

EBCI tribal members Tavi Rivera, Michael Montelongo and Raymond Taylor competed in wrestling and Tagan Crowe competed in the golf tournament.  Jack Walkingstick coached the wrestlers and Bud Smith coached Crowe.

Rivera won gold, Montelongo won silver and Taylor took fourth in their respective wrestling divisions and Crowe placed fifth in the golf competition.

“Thank you to Nancy Wahnetah, Crowe’s Sno to Go, Wahnetah and Ned Stamper, Painttown Gym, Bo Crowe, Dick Crowe, Patrick Lambert, Tribal Council, Vice Chairman Bill Taylor, EBCI Gaming Commission, Food Lion, Big Cove Grocery, Stoney Store, Pam Taylor, and Dinah Grant,” said Radonna Crowe, mother of golfer Tagan Crowe, on behalf of the EBCI team.  “Thank you to everyone who bought a breakfast, sno cone, baked good and 50/50 ticket.  Sarah Crowe was the winner of the 50/50 and donated the money to the boys.”

- One Feather staff report 

There are several different tick species found in North Carolina. Each tick is known for causing different diseases. The American Dog tick is credited for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. The black legged tick has been known to causes anaplasmosis, bebesiosis, and Lyme disease.  The brown dog tick can carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The Lonestar trick carries ehrlichiosis, tularemia and STARI(Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness) .  Persons should not be expected to know the type of tick they may have found and removed from themselves or their pet.

Ticks go through four stages in their life cycle. They must eat blood at every stage to survive. They prefer different hosts at each stage. Many ticks die because they cannot find another host to feed on.  Ticks can feed on mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds.  Ticks cannot fly or jump.  They find their host and grab on. Ticks then prepare to feed. They make a cut in the skin and insert their feeding tube. Some ticks have feeding tubes that are jagged on the end to hold to the skin. Others secrete a substance that cements the tube in place while they feed. Some ticks secrete an anesthetic so the host cannot feel the bite. Ticks feed slowly on the hosts’ blood for several days.  Small amounts of saliva may be secreted from the tick as it feeds. This is how ticks spread disease from one host to another.

Humans should try to protect themselves from ticks. Prevention is the key. There are several ways to minimize the chance of being bit by a tick. First, wear light colored clothing. Avoid heavily weeded or brushy areas if possible. Wear tick repellant. Tick repellant can be applied to exposed skin to anyone over 2 months of age. Use a product that contains at least 20 percent deet.  Apply the repellent only to exposed skin. Clothing can be purchased or treated with a product called permethrin.  Do not purchase lotions that serve as sunscreens and tick repellents. Sunscreens have to be reapplied more often and are prone to being washed or sweated off when outdoors. The properties in deet are not likely to be washed away, and therefore individuals do not want to be over treated.

Shower or bathe as soon as you can when you have been outdoors in possible tick exposure areas. Examine all over your body for ticks.  If you find a tick, remove it by grasping the body of the tick with tweezers. Put one side of the tweezers under the tick, next to the skin and the other on top. Lift straight up.  Assure that the tick is intact. If the head /mouth remained, try to remove it. If unsuccessful, wash the area well with soap and water. Write down in a safe place the date the tick was removed. Should the person who had the tick bite become sick in the next 1-4 weeks, tell the doctor the date of the tick bite.

Most tick borne illnesses are similar. Fever, muscle aches and rash.  There are many illness associated with tick bites. It is very important a person seek medical attention if they feel they may have tick borne illness. Some illness can be fatal. Prevention is the key. Wear repellent with deet. Examine each other when returning from the outdoors. Check your animals and get ticks off them as well.

Info: Cherokee Community Health 554 6882, or visit http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/ticks.html,  http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/

- Cherokee Community Health 

While in custody, New Mexico authorities confirmed that he had outstanding warrants in Cherokee Tribal Court and contacted Cherokee Indian Police Department to begin the extradition process.

As a result, two CIPD officers traveled to New Mexico and transported Smith back to Cherokee.

Smith was taken before a Tribal Magistrate on June 16 on the following charges:

• Seven counts of Domestic Violence, incident on April 1
• One count of Second Degree Child Abuse, incident on Dec. 8, 2012
• One count of Providing Alcoholic Beverages to/Possession of/Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages by/Persons under 21 years old

Smith is being held in Swain County Jail without bond until his court date on June 25.

- CIPD

Nicodemus Bushyhead (CHS senior), Taloa Berg (Choctaw Central High graduate/Vanderbilt University freshman) and Xan Sandongei (CHS junior) are shown at the Aspirnaut Program being held this summer at Vanderbilt. (USET photo)

The students selected this year are:

• Taloa Berg, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
• Nicodemus Bushyhead, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Nicklaus Shumake, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
• Deon Denson, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
• Mack Lackey, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Xan Sadongei, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• Will Martin, Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Berg and Bushyhead will be joining the Aspirnaut™ program for their second year.  Last year, they were part of the inaugural program, sponsored by USET.  Berg recently graduated from Choctaw Central High School and has been accepted to Vanderbilt as an undergraduate for the fall semester. Bushyhead is a rising senior at Cherokee High School. 

The remaining five students will attend Aspirnaut™ for the first time.  Denson is a rising junior at Choctaw Central High School (Mississippi).  Shumake will be a freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi this fall.  Lackey and Sadongei are rising juniors at Cherokee High School, and Will Martin is a rising sophomore at the University of Alabama.

Denson is working on making a video to help prevent diabetes in American Indian Youth.  “I am recording, taking pictures, and getting interviews of other teens.  I am going to edit them and add sound tracks to it,” Denson told USET about his work.

He says he wants to attend Cornell University and study veterinary medicine.  Coming from Mississippi to Nashville, Tenn., Denson adds he feels right at home, “It didn’t feel any different.  I guess I am used to it.  I don’t know how, I didn’t come from a big place, but I just feel used to it.”

Denson is working hand in hand with some research being performed by Bushyhead, who is working with ARC-GIS to plot data points on exercising while working in a human behavioral study lab at Vanderbilt.

“We’re doing work to see where you go and what you do (while exercising) and raise awareness to where people are attracted to exercising,” Bushyhead stated.  “In this way, we can raise awareness of diabetes, the importance of exercising, and build models where people are attracted to being active.”

Bushyhead, while in his second year attending Aspirnaut, has become a leader among the attendees.  “Maybe it’s because I speak up more or the others know I have been here before.”

His career goal is to become a pharmacist and open a pharmacy in Cherokee.

Shumake is working on sequencing data out of collagen.  He will attend the University of Southern Mississippi this fall.

Sadongei told USET he would like to continue his studies after graduating Cherokee High School to pursue mechanical engineering.  Berg says she will pursue an educational path to become a general practitioner physician.  Lackey wants to attend medical school, and Martin is attending the University of Alabama and is working with fellow undergraduate research interns separate from high school students.

The Aspirnaut™ Program at Vanderbilt University (VU) is working to encourage young rural students to reach their dreams while giving them resources and real life experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields so that they may pursue careers as doctors, engineers, telecommunication specialists, math teachers and professors, and other related STEM career areas.  The program works to beam information, resources, and research back into rural classrooms so that it may involve younger students in elementary schools, high schools and collegiate undergraduates.  Over 800 students have been recipients of online conferencing and virtual laboratories.

The Aspirnaut™ program was started by Dr. Billy G. Hudson at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as part of a vision to educate and give advantages to rural students.  Dr. Hudson’s wife Dr. Julie Hudson, Vanderbilt University Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, has a hands-on working relationship with the Aspirnaut™ Program and works closely with the students.  Dr. Julie Hudson told USET leadership, “We think that the partnership works well because it uses the assets of a research university and extends those to rural schools, rural teachers, and rural leaders in education.”

The Aspirnaut™ Program has collected data on all of its participants and monitored their progress after leaving the program.  There have been no dropouts recorded among the 43 high school students that have participated in the last four summers.  Twenty seven are seeking some form of post secondary training or are enrolled in college according to Dr. Hudson.

Hudson adds, “All but one or two of the 27 in college are enrolled in a STEM related field of study.”  Hudson says that the remaining 16 students are still in high school and engaging in advanced courses in math and science. “Our data is showing that students are making positive progress in the classroom and planning for education pathways past high school,” Hudson commented.

For several USET members the goal is to improve the standard of living.  The Aspirnaut™ Program works to gather a diverse group of students and create unique approaches in seeking solutions for challenges in science.  The students gain experience and possibly a new foothold in gaining acceptance to first rate universities.  Dr. Hudson says the hope is that these students will go into a field of science.  Regardless of the career pathway they choose, whether they become leaders, teachers, or administrators, they will have critical thinking skills, understand how to influence lawmakers on funding innovations in science that will make positive affects in their community, and become positive role models for the future.  Collectively, this translates into a growing and highly trained workforce for Tribal Nations.

USET Executive Director Kitcki Carroll echoes Hudson’s remarks saying, “We are most excited about what has occurred up to this point.  The relationship USET has with Vanderbilt is so important because it is a critical component to our overall Tribal Nation rebuilding efforts.  The educational opportunities for our younger generations are paramount to accomplishing our goals of rebuilding Indian Country.  We must always remember, in our efforts to rebuild our communities, that it is going to take all kinds of skill sets, all sorts of expertise.”

USET President Brian Patterson told Tribal Leadership it must do everything it can to provide resources to USET Tribal youth.  “We know when we invoke the power of a good mind in principle throughout our Nations that we do so with the future generations in mind.  We do so while talking of the future seven generations.  For the seven generations to meet their challenges, we must prepare our leaders of today.  We must give them all the strength, all the courage, all the compassion that we can so they can advance their generation and future generations.”

- USET

Tuesday, June 18 – Health Screen – 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, June 19 – BOD Meeting – 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, July 3 – Managers’ Meeting – 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 4 – Fourth of July Holiday (Tribal, Club and School)

Friday, July 5 – Club Annual Leave Day

Wednesday, July 10 – Deadline for Board Resolutions – 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, July 16 – Health Screen – 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, July 17 – Club Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.

As the summer season approaches, we need to keep in mind a few tips for preventing heat-related illness.

HEAT EXHAUSTION AND STROKE – KNOW THE SIGNS

As the temperature rises across much of the nation, it is important to review heat safety with workers.  Preventing heat-related illness by providing rest and plenty of cold fluids is key.  But recognizing when employees are suffering from this condition is also crucial.

Two serious forms of heat illness are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  These conditions can be fatal if supervisors and co-workers don’t take the right first-aid steps.

Here are keys for recognizing and treating both conditions:

Heat Exhaustion

Signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, weakness, irritability and extreme thirst.  To treat heat exhaustion:

1. Take the worker to a shady or cool area.  Provide him or her with water or other cold liquids to drink, and ice packs to cool down.
2. Give the worker the day off.
3. If symptoms don’t improve after an hour, get the worker to an emergency room or clinic.

Heat Stroke

Signs of heat stroke include confusion, fainting, seizures, excessively red or hot skin and very high body temperature.

Treatment to administer:

1. Call 911 immediately.  While waiting for help to arrive, place the worker in a cool area.
2. Loosen or remove outer layers of clothes.
3. Fan the worker and put ice packs in the armpits.
4. Wet the worker with cold water.
5. Provide cold fluids to drink.
6. Don’t leave the worker’s side until help arrives.

To say that the Crusaders came out hot in the beginning of the game would be an understatement.   They were able to score three quick times to put the War Eagles in a 22 point deficit to start the second quarter.

The first half of play for the War Eagles saw scattered successes on the offensive side of the ball with decent runs by Josue Otero and Kris Quinn, but then would be lost the next play by some phantom penalties. Going into the half time break the War Eagles seemed to be down and out of gas with the Crusaders leading 28-0.

To start the second half of play, the War Eagles received the kickoff and started their offensive series without a hitch to slow them down. They were able to gash the Crusaders defense with multiple big runs that average 8 to 10 yards per carry. War Eagles lineman, led by Ian McCauley and Brett Robertson, were able to push the defensive line around with force in the remaining two quarters of the game, but a few miscommunications during certain plays were able to sputter out drives that put the War Eagles in scoring positions.

Defensively, the War Eagles, in the second half, were able to prevent the Crusaders from putting any more points on the board. The effort was led by the defensive lineman: Haile Gibson, Evan Cagle and Stephen Little. These linemen were able to free their linebackers up so they could make series ending stops, which allowed the War Eagles offense to try to score. The second half proved to be a much better experience for the War Eagles, but the Crusaders did enough in the first quarter offensively to secure enough points and their defense shut down the War Eagles offense in crucial moments.

Offensive leaders: Rushing – Josue Otero, 103 yards. Andre Dewhurst, 74 yards. Kris Quinn, 44 yards.

Defensive leaders: Brett Robertson – 8 Tackles, 1 QB sack. Andre Dewhurst – 5 Tackles, 1 TFL. Austin Curtice – 5 Tackles. Antonio Johnson – 4 Tackles, 1 QB Sack.  Demakus Staton – 4 Tackles.

War Eagles officials stated, “The Western Carolina War Eagles would like to thank everybody who supported them this year making the second year of their team better than the first. A big thank you to all of their sponsors, boosters, cheerleaders, game crew, field staff, coaches, team trainer John Mitzel, players, fans, The One Feather and a special thank you to Mr. Ray Kinsland for being the voice of the War Eagles. Please come back out next and let us try to make next year another great season and strive to become the IFL champions!”

For players info, sponsors info and all other info, please visit: wareaglesfootball.org

- Western Carolina War Eagles

EBCI tribal member Eric Bird, shown in Friday night’s grand entry, took first place in the Men’s Fancy contest and the Cowboy special during the 38th Annual Eastern Band Cherokee Nation Pow Wow held June 14-16. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)

38th Annual Eastern Band Cherokee Nation Pow Wow

The 38th Annual Eastern Band Cherokee Nation Pow Wow was held at the Acquoni Expo Center on June 14-16. (TODD KENT/One Feather contributor)

532 Photos

Golden Age Men

1^st Wayne Pushetonequa

2^nd Rick Bottchenbaugh

3^rd Wilson Roberts

4^th Pat Pacheco

Men’s Fancy

1^st Eric Bird

2^nd Darrell Hill

3^rd Josh Hill

4^th Hunter Burridge

Men’s Grass

1^st Rusty Gillette

2^nd Darwin Charley

3^rd Josh Trejo

4^th Trey Two Fox Bullock

Men’s Traditional

1^st Lonny Street

2^nd Alex Alvarez

3^rd Anthony Lett

4^th Ricky Joe Taylor

Men’s Straight

1^st Juaquin Hamilton

2^nd Anthony Monoessy

3^rd Josh Hill

4^th Aaron Partin

Men’s Chicken

1^st  Marty Thurman

2^nd Rooster Topsky

3^rd Luke Swimmer

4^th James Stephenson

Golden Age Women

1^st Annemae Pushetonequa

2^nd Carmen Clairmont

3^rd Sharon Roberts

4^th Sharon Partin

Women’s Fancy

1^st Verna Street

2^nd Rose Track

3^rd Bobbi Fredrick

4^th Patricia Bugg

Women’s Jingle

1^st Rowena Roberts

2^nd Grace Pushetonequa

3^rd  Dionne Jacobs

4^th Jackie Klein

Women’s Traditional

1^st Gena Topsky

2^nd Qualina Mars

3^rd Melonie Mathews

4^th Cree Medicine Bear

Women’s Southern Cloth

1^st  Syanni Hamilton

2^nd Elizabeth Nevaquya

3^rd Sandy Harris

4^th Kristin Weaver

Women’s Buckskin

1^st Sophia Thurman

2^nd Hauli Sioux Gray

3^rd Charish Toehey

4^th Alicia Ahkeahbo

Teen Boy’s Grass

1^st James Ray Eaglestar

2^nd Chaske Jacobs

3^rd Muh-Juhtheen Roberts

4^th Archie Bearcub

Teen Boy’s Fancy

1^st Angel Bullock

2^nd Tyler Thurman

3^rd Shaundai Poncho

4^th Colton Burridge

Teen Boy’s Traditional

1^st Atsa Zah

2^nd Marlin Dickenson

3^rd Isaiah Robinson

4^th Teoikey Richardson

Teen Girl’s Fancy

1^st Oke-Tw’sha Roberts

2^nd Micayla Silas

3^rd Angelina Jumper

4^th Malia Jacobs

Teen Girl’s Jingle

1^st Savanah Phillips

2^nd Kimmemelah Perkins

3^rd Shaundene Grant

4^th Edie Poteskey

Teen Girl’s Traditional

1^st Jasa Lightfoot

2^nd Tara Goodfox

3^rd Kendra Eaglestar

4^th Elena Polanco

Specials

Men’s Grass: Rusty Gillette

Cowboy: Eric Bird

Cowgirl: Charish Toehey

Men Straight: Juaquin Hamilton

Old Style Fancy Shawl: Annamae Pushetonequa

Women’s Jingle: Dionne Jacobs

Junior Boy Fancy: Floyd Silas III

Junior Boy Grass: George Gillette

Junior Boy Traditional: Delson Weaver

Junior Girl Fancy: Micayla Silas

Junior Girl Jingle: Lenore Pushtoneequa

Junior Girl Traditional: Alitama Perkins

Tator Dance: Patricia Beavers

Hand Drum Contest: Floyd Silas III

Northern Drum

1^st Rocky Boy Agency

2^nd A Wo Ha Li

3^rd Thunder Voice

4^th Bluesmoke

Southern Drum

1^st Wild Band Comanche

2^nd Southside

3^rd Dirty South

4^th Edisto River Singers

Head Dancers

Head Man Friday: Juaquin Hamilton

Head Man Saturday: Rick Bottchenbaugh

Head Man Saturday: Wayne Pushetonequa

Head Man Sunday: Daryl Hill

Head Woman Friday: Carmen Clairmont

Head Woman Saturday: Sandy Harris

Head Woman Saturday: Meredith Hedgedeth

Head Women Sunday: Rose Track

- ONE FEATHER STAFF REPORT 

Robert Jumper

EBCI special events coordinator

What happens in early childhood can matter for a lifetime. In early childhood, research on the biology of stress shows how major adversity, such as extreme poverty, abuse, or neglect can weaken developing brain architecture and permanently set the body’s stress response system on high alert.

According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, providing stable, responsive, nurturing relationships in the earliest years of life can prevent or even reverse the damaging effects of early life stress, with lifelong benefits for learning, behavior, and health.

The child clinical team at Analenisgi has been trained in an exciting approach to assist parents of young children who have experienced trauma.  The team had the opportunity recently to study infant psychotherapy with Dr. Joy Osofsky at the Louisiana State University Department of Health Sciences in New Orleans.

“When a child has experienced trauma, the child may feel that adults will not be able to protect them, and when both caregivers and children have experienced trauma, such as living in a violent environment, the caregiver and child may remind each other of the trauma so that neither feels safe in the other’s presence,” Dr. Osofsky wrote in Clinical Work with Traumatized Young Children.  “Each of these situations places the caregiver-child relationship at-risk for disruption; thereby, increasing the likelihood that the child’s developmental trajectory will be negatively impacted.”

This approach is available for children ages infant to 3 years old. Even very young children can experience severe reactions to traumatic situations such as, a disruption of living place, neglect of their care and safety, abandonment by a parent or parents, or physical or sexual abuse. There are interventions that can assist a young child with expressing their fears and learning to regulate their emotions. Working with the caregiver, the CPP counselor can provide ways for the young child to communicate their concerns and can help the caregiver become more sensitive to what the child is trying to say.

The CPP program provides for an evaluation of the strength and character of the bond between the young child and the caregiver. Through use of the CPP office at the Beloved Women’s Clinic, child parent interactions can be observed and recorded. The counselor and the patent can review the recordings and learn what communication techniques are most effective for their child.

Ralph Murphy, licensed clinical social worker with the Analenisgi Child Team, made the following observation, “It has been exciting and rewarding to work with parents of young children who have lost custody of their children and through the CPP process, support these parents in successfully regaining custody of their children. “

“Through the family evaluations we consistently find that most parents of young children have excellent parenting skills but due to chemical abuse or other behavioral health issues, have not been able to stay consistently focused on positive parenting.  When they make a commitment to the CPP process, and follow clinical recommendations for their own recovery, we have seen program outcomes that are a win – win for the parents and the children.”

Info: Analenisgi Child Treatment Team 554-6550. Ask for Tom Slagle, LCSW, Steve Whitehorn, LCSW, or Ralph Murphy, LCSW.

Background illustration by Mark Normand, Photos and design by Scott McKie B.P./One Feather staff

By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.

ONE FEATHER STAFF

Summer is a big time for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  Kids are out of school, the days are longer, and there are a lot of events to keep everyone busy.

“The entertainment options in Cherokee this summer are nothing less than phenomenal,” said Jason Lambert, EBCI Commerce Division director.  “There is something for everyone, both local and visitor.  We hope that people will come to see all that Cherokee has to offer and extend their stay in our community.”

Brooks Robinson, Harrah’s Cherokee senior vice president and general manager, commented, “Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has something for everyone to enjoy from now until Labor Day.  From concerts by Billy Idol, Miranda Lambert, Trace Adkins and The Black Crowes to a $150,000 free slot play giveaway on July 13 to the Ultimate Elvis Contest.  Every Wednesday in July, we will be giving away either cash or a car or $50,000 in free slot play.  This summer is going to be one of the most exciting ever at Harrah’s Cherokee!”

Health Celebration Fair

When: June 27 from 10am – 2pm

Where: Oconaluftee Island Park

What: A celebration of good health sponsored by EBCI Health & Medical.  This is for all ages and will include interactive booths, physical activities, games, prizes, drawings, information, health screenings, and giveaways.  The theme is Hawaiian Luau so be sure to wear your Hawaiian attire.

Info: Belinda Wilson, RN, PHN, Community Health, 554-6879

Harrah’s Cherokee Events Center summer shows

Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Events Center

• Billy Idol, June 21 at 9pm
• Gary Allan, June 28 at 9pm
• Ultimate Elvis Contest, July 13 at 7:30pm
• Miranda Lambert, July 19 at 9pm
• The Black Crowes, Aug. 2 at 9pm
• Trace Adkins, Aug. 10 at 7:30pm
• Hank Williams Jr., Sept. 1 at 7:30pm

To purchase tickets: (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com

Cherokee Runners 3^rd Annual Sunset 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run

When: July 4, Fun Run at 7:15pm, 5K at 7:45pm

Where: The start and finish is at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.  The 5K run will go through downtown Cherokee, to the traffic light at Casino Trail and back to the Fairgrounds.

Info: stphswimmer@aol.com or gerrgrady@yahoo.com to have registration form emailed or register online: http://beta.active.com/cherokee-nc/running/races/4th-of-july-sunset-5k-racerunwalk-2013-9655

July 4 Fireworks

When: July 4 at dark

Where: Acquoni Expo Center

Info: Howard Wahnetah, 554-6471, howawahn@nc-cherokee.com

9^th Annual Festival of Native Peoples

When: July 12-13 starting at 11am daily

Where: Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

Cost: Adults $10, children six and under are free

Info: Info: Howard Wahnetah, 554-6471, howawahn@nc-cherokee.com

Cherokee Mid-Summer Fishing Tournament

When: July 12-14

Where: Cherokee Enterprise Waters

Info: Robert Blankenship, 497-5520, robeblan@nc-cherokee.com

Big Game Banquet

When: July 27 at 5pm

Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Hotel Ballroom

What: The Great Smoky Mountains Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is hosting this event which will include a live auction, silent auction, raffles, door prizes, and dinner.

Cost: $45 , the deadline for a reservation is July 24.  No tickets will be available at the door.

Info: (828) 506-3308

12^th Annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby

When: Aug. 3

Where: Oconaluftee Island Park

Info: Marsha Jackson 497-1898, Mary Hornbuckle 497-1826, www.cherokeetroutderby.com

Blueberry Festival

When: Aug. 10

Where: Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds

Info: Carmaleta Monteith 497-2717, carmaleta@msn.com

Volkswagen Show

When: Aug. 10 from 10am – 5pm

Where: Acquoni Expo Center

Cost: $5 for spectators, $20 to register a vehicle

Info: Cherokee Welcome Center (800) 438-1601

Open Air Indian Market

When: Aug. 31 from 9am – 4pm

Where: Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc.

What: Meet the artists from Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. and buy directly from them.  Music, food, storytelling

Cost: Free

Info: Qualla Arts & Crafts 497-3103, darneach@quallaartsandcrafts.org, Vicki@quallaartsandcrafts.org

Cherokee “End of Summer” Fishing Tournament

When: Sept. 6

Where: Cherokee Enterprise Waters

Info: Mary Hornbuckle 497-1826

Unita Holcomb

Lipsom was extricated from the trail by a Blackhawk helicopter coordinated through Haywood County and the State of North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. He was then flown to the airport in Asheville and transported by ground to Mission Hospital.

National park staff assisted the airlift operation on the ground and provided two Park Medics and an EMT for patient care. Damage to the trails around the Cosby and Big Creek areas prevented a ground team from reaching Lipsom for a carry out operation in a reasonable amount of time.

A National Weather Service crew has confirmed an EF-1 tornado in the Cosby area during the June 13 storm. A Park Backcountry Ranger was patrolling the trails around Cosby and Big Creek on the morning of June 14 to assess storm damage when he discovered Lipsom and initiated the rescue operation.

- NPS

To be eligible for this loan, a business must be located on the Qualla Boundary or be owned by an EBCI tribal member.  The business must also have experienced financial losses between January and June.  This is a loan for temporary assistance, not for business expansion or growth.  Business owners who apply for a loan will be asked to provide monthly or quarterly financial statements from the period for which they are claiming losses.  Owners may apply for amounts up to the difference between this year and last year’s January – June profits.

If you do not have financial statements for the first two quarters of the year you may still be able to get a disaster relief loan.  For businesses without financial statements there will be a $5,000 cap.  These business owners will also be required to attend a business accounting (Quickbooks) training before the loan can be disbursed.

If you are interested in a Disaster Relief Assistance loan, contact Sequoyah Fund to see if your business qualifies and for what amount.  Feel free to contact Sequoyah Fund if you are interested in other types of assistance as well (creating and reading financial statements, disaster preparedness planning, credit coaching, or other services).  Check out their lineup of services and trainings at www.sequoyahfund.org.  Contact Russ Seagle (828) 359-5003 / russseagle@sequoyahfund.org if you are interested in a disaster relief loan.  Contact John Ross (828) 359-5006 / johnross@sequoyahfund.org with other questions.

- John Ross, Sequoyah Fund special programs coordinator 

The Board of Directors of the Yogi Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund reminds graduate and post-graduate students that July 1 is also the deadline for requesting financial assistance from the Fund for fall semester.  Applications and eligibility guidelines are available from any of the board members, from Tribal Education or from the Website www.yogicrowecherokeescholarship.org.

Info:  Reva Ballew, president 631-1350;  Anita Lossiah, vice president 736-2698; Mary Herr, secretary 497-9498; Sis Fourkiller, treasurer 736-2523;  Dr. Carmaleta Monteith 497-2717;  Jan Smith 507-1519 or Dr. Jennifer Thompson 507-5997.

- Yogi Crowe Memorial Scholarship Fund