NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
April 23 Constitutional Convention session held without a quorum.
The Constitutional Convention meeting on Thursday, April 23 was convened with a roll call.
Chief’s Report – March
I want to share an update on the work we’ve been focused on throughout March.
EBCI among tribal communities to receive Indian Housing Block Grant funding
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is among the tribal communities to receive funding in a recent announcement of $1.1 billion in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Blythe-Lewis continuing father’s work as Vision Maker Media celebrates 50 years
For the past 50 years, Native American filmmakers have had their visions seen and voices heard through an organization now known as Vision Maker Media.
WCU to honor Joyce Dugan for decades of service to education, EBCI, WNC
Western Carolina University will award an honorary Doctor of Education to Joyce Conseen Dugan, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, in recognition of her leadership, lifelong commitment to education and contributions to the Cherokee people and western North Carolina.
EBCI members to star in production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars”
Ashlie Blaske and Steve Wood are both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) starring in a production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars,” written by Tlingit actor Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, presented by Sky Bear Media and directed by Nez Perce actor Josephine Keefe, at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Wash.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
April report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of April. Before I begin, I want to congratulate Anna Ferguson on becoming the first EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) member to serve in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Just missed Him
A plethora of verses can be found that reveal how all of Israel, except for the disciples and followers of Jesus, discounted Him as Lord.
COMMENTARY: An honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work
I have been in the workforce since 1976, so for about half a century.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Joscelyn Stamper breaking records, and she’s not done
Joscelyn Stamper has a calm, kind demeanor that probably surprises a lot of people when they find out just how competitive she is athletically
Three in a row: Lady Braves make history with third consecutive state basketball championship
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) are the 2025-2026 NCHSAA 2A State Champions. The Lady Braves dominated the state game, earning their third state title in a row with the largest winning margin in NCHSAA history for women’s basketball on the evening of Thursday, March 12 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
EBCI wrestlers compete at State; Cherokee High School tallies two State placers
Pippa Welch (women’s 152, third place) and Levi Tramper (HWT, fourth place) from Cherokee High School, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), competed in the 2026 NCHSAA State Championship Tournament held Feb. 19 to Feb. 22 in Greensboro Coliseum.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Tammy Lee Reed
Tammy Lee Reed, 54, of Sevierville, Tenn., passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at her residence after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Charlotte (Woochie) Crowe George
Charlotte (Woochie) Crowe George, 82, of the Big Y Community, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 14, 2026. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Albert Crow and Regina Elizabeth Welch Crow.
OBITUARY: David Obidiah Swimmer
David Obidiah Swimmer, 51, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
HAPPENINGS
32nd Annual Stories from the Pumpkin Patch
The thirty second Annual Stories from the Pumpkin Patch will be held Saturday, October 11th from 3pm till 8pm at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. The evening will feature several storytellers from the Jonesborough International Story Tellers Guild. These...
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Blythe-Lewis continuing father’s work as Vision Maker Media celebrates 50 years
For the past 50 years, Native American filmmakers have had their visions seen and voices heard through an organization now known as Vision Maker Media.
EBCI members to star in production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars”
Ashlie Blaske and Steve Wood are both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) starring in a production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars,” written by Tlingit actor Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, presented by Sky Bear Media and directed by Nez Perce actor Josephine Keefe, at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Wash.
Tribal member releases new titles in “Angelina the Adventure Cat” book series
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is expanding on a book series based on her beloved Maine Coon cat, Angelina.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm