NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
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.
Tribe breaks ground on new housing development in Wayohi
The EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Division of Housing broke ground on a new development in Wayohi (Wolftown) on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 5.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Qualla Arts & Crafts, Inc. looking towards the future
With sunlight shining into the gallery space at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. (Qualla), brilliantly illuminating some of the Cherokee baskets, Amanda McCoy and Taya Houser discuss the future of the cooperative.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
EDITORIAL: Lumbee Tribal Chairman attacks media coverage of Lumbee federal recognition
On the afternoon of Feb. 10, John L. Lowery, tribal chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, released a public memo making accusations of “propaganda articles” and “fake news reports” from the “smear campaign” of the “multi-million-dollar propaganda machine of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”
COMMENTARY: A Cherokee Valentine’s Day
My favorite fruit is ani (strawberry), partly because I enjoy them and I grew up with Strawberry Shortcake (the cartoon and the dessert), but mainly because of the Cherokee Legend of the First Strawberry that I first heard in kindergarten in Mrs. Sammi Saunooke’s class.
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: Mario A. Solorzano
Mario A. Solorzano, age 68, passed away at his residence in Big Cove after an extended illness on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
OBITUARY: Justice Dara Taylor
Justice Dara Taylor, 27, of Cherokee, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Justice was born Aug. 28, 1997, to the late Lehua Joan Walkingstick and Darrell “Dragon” Taylor.
OBITUARY: Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith
Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith, 69, peacefully entered into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Born on Jan. 17, 1956, in Cherokee, N.C., Joy was the beloved daughter of the late Ronald L. and Roberta Joan Allison.
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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