NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians celebrates grand opening of Caesars Virginia
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) joined Caesars Entertainment on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to celebrate the grand opening of the highly anticipated Caesars Virginia casino & resort. Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, alongside members of his Executive team and Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), attended the event, marking a significant milestone in EBCI’s ongoing partnership with Caesars Entertainment.
A Lumbee recognition bill passes U.S. House again
For the third Congress in a row, a House bill that would grant federal recognition to the state-recognized Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has passed. By a vote of 311-96, the Lumbee Fairness Act (H.R. 1101) passed the U.S. House of Representatives, in the 118th Congress, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
Groundbreaking held for Soco Falls Trailhead improvements project
Tribal officials of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) held a groundbreaking for improvements to the Soco Falls Trailhead on the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 13. The project is being paid for with ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WCU’s Project Discovery celebrates, reflects on 40th anniversary
Heath Robertson sat at the back of the bus on a college tour trip when he was asked about his future plans. Robertson’s answer? He didn’t have any.
Thompson and CIHA Physical Therapy Department named 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award recipient
Jennifer Thompson, DPT, CLT, physical therapy manager at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), and the CIHA Physical Therapy Department were named the winner of the 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award.
EBCI selects its 2025 Remember the Removal ride candidates
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has selected six tribal members to join riders from the Cherokee Nation in June 2025 on the annual Remember the Removal Ride (RTR). The ride will retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Use of cell towers and AM radio
Cell phone sites and AM radio stations have been viewed by many as unable to function from the same tower.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The mystery and meaning of Bethlehem’s Star
Sometime around Thanksgiving many of us decorate a Christmas tree. We raise our real or fake tree in our living rooms, decorated with ornaments and lights, with our wrapped gifts gently placed underneath as we await Christmas morning.
EDITORIAL: N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs unfairly attacks EBCI
There is a lot of opposition to the way the Lumbee are going about seeking their recognition. It is incredibly unfair for the N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs to single out Ugvwiyuhi Hicks and the EBCI and give the tribe the moniker of defamers and troublemakers.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Lady Braves golfer Paytyn Barker makes history
Paytyn Barker, a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), began playing golf in her sophomore year.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Francisco Esparza Jr.
Francisco Esparza Jr., age 50, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at Mission Hospital after a brief illness.
OBITUARY: Amanda Lee Beck Bevis
Amanda Lee Beck Bevis, 82, of the Qualla Community, passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at her residence.
OBITUARY: Justin Ray Queen
Justin Ray Queen, 23, of Cherokee NC, had a change of address on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. He no longer resides in Cherokee but is now living in his heavenly home with his Maker and King.
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
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.
2024 Kananesgi Art Show winners
The 2024 Kananesgi Art Show was held on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center.
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