NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Bill introduced to restore Alaskan mountain name to Denali
President Donald Trump issued an executive order recently changing the name of the mountain known as Denali to Mount McKinley – a name it had from 1917 to 2015. Now, two Alaskan senators have introduced a bill to change it back.
Terri Henry appointed as Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief)
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks has appointed Terri Henry as the new Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi, bringing her extensive experience in tribal governance, advocacy, and policy to this critical role. As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) faces political challenges, including the Lumbee group’s push for federal recognition – Henry’s experience in sovereignty, legal reform, and government relations will help keep the EBCI’s interests front and center.
Bill to place Tennessee lands into trust for EBCI passes House
A bill (H.R. 226) that would place 76 acres of land, containing several Cherokee historic sites in eastern Tennessee, in trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Homelands”: EBCI artists featured in McClung’s mound exhibit
Four artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are among Indigenous artists featured in a new exhibit at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.
Mistee Cutshaw named 2025 recipient of Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation’s Lula Owl Gloyne Award
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation has announced Mistee Cutshaw as the recipient of this year’s Lula Owl Gloyne Award, recognizing her remarkable dedication and contributions to healthcare within the Cherokee community.
Services are expanding at Tsali Care Center
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the expansion of its Rehabilitation Department to include services at Tsali Care Center. Effective the week of January 20, 2025, CIHA’s Physical Therapy, Wound Care, and Orthopedic Clinic will assume the rehabilitation services for residents of Tsali Care Center, ensuring access to high-quality, in-house care.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Kimlyn Sneed Lambert brightens the community with her work and smile
If you see the current Senior Miss Cherokee at events, there are two things that are ever-present – a smile and grace. Kimlyn Sneed Lambert, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is that person, and she has served her people for over 40 years in various capacities.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: He Thinks of Us
Psalm 139 is a great place to put God’s love in perspective. Verses 13-16 are often used to prove from God’s Word that life begins at conception and that God controls our making in the womb.
COMMENTARY – True Sovereignty and Transparency: No buts about it.
As we think of ourselves or call ourselves sovereign as a federally recognized tribe, we need to think about the term “recognized” and see if there is a “but” in that term.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tribal member to be inducted into North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame
Rebecca Wolfe Damas, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is a member of the Class of 2025 inductees into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF). She will be officially inducted during a ceremony on June 7 in Green Bay, Wisc. at the Onedia Conference Center.
Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team members place at Fall Tournament
Members of the Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team placed at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Fall Tournament held recently in Charlotte, N.C.
Cherokee Recreation Youth Wrestling Program will begin in March
Starting in March, Cherokee Recreation will launch a new youth wrestling program. Casey Reagan, from Smokey Mountain Judo, will be heading up the program with help from his family, including his sister, Erin Reagan Kirkland, from Cherokee Central Schools.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Wiggins Blackfox
Wiggins Blackfox, age 71, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
OBITUARY: John Boaze
John Boaze, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, after a period of illness.
OBITUARY: Mistee Lynn Cutshaw
Mistee Lynn Cutshaw, 53, of Bryson City, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Michael Sooter and Wanda Jenkins.
HAPPENINGS
LampLight Theatre to present “The Advocate” in Cherokee
While many haunted attractions promise a night of terror, LampLight’s favored traveling production of “The Advocate” will besiege you long past your visit to see it. Have you ever wondered if God and Satan are real? Is there really a time we will all stand in God’s court of judgment?
12th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala set for July
The 12th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala, which will be held on Saturday, July 15 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, promises to be “A Star-Filled Summer Night,” to celebrate healthcare and community in a festive atmosphere under the stars.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian to host Community Writers’ Workshop Series
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) has announced the Confluence: An Indigenous Writers’ Workshop, an opportunity offered to citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians throughout 2023.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“Homelands”: EBCI artists featured in McClung’s mound exhibit
Four artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are among Indigenous artists featured in a new exhibit at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.
Carving a path: The future of Cherokee art collection
Driver Blythe, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is a graduate student and student teacher in Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Studies program.
Kananesgi holds 6th Annual Fashion Show
The 6th Annual Kananesgi Fashion Show, Art Show, and Art Market were held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The event included several Indigenous designers and vendors.
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