Doyu ulihelisdodi agiwonihisdi hi gvnigesv igvndii.
Principal Chief Michell Hicks reads “Let’s Talk Turkey”, the eighth book in the Cherokee Children’s Book Project, to a group of children at the Qualla Boundary Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Chief Hicks signed copies of the book, and the children present received both “Let’s Talk Turkey” and the seventh book in the series, “Elder Turtle”. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
I trust everyone enjoyed the nice long Labor Day Weekend. Over the past several weeks, there have been many exciting events take place; I would like to share these with you.
Each year, my office releases a children’s book for local school children. This past year, we worked in coordination with the Kituwah Preservation and Education Program to release Let’s Talk Turkey, written by Billie Jo Rich and illustrated by Jane Thomas. It is always a pleasure reading this book to children as they have many opportunities to join in the fun. The Qualla Library hosted me and Garfield Long to do a book signing for this book as well as Elder Turtle, which was also completed in conjunction with the Kituwah Preservation and Education Program.
Chief Hicks throws out the first pitch at the Asheville Tourists Game on Saturday, Aug. 24. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
The Asheville Tourists hosted the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for Cherokee Day at McCormick Field. Each year, the Tourists host the EBCI to give us the opportunity to market to Asheville community members. This year, I was joined by Miss Cherokee Karyl Frankiewicz, Junior Miss Cherokee Alliyah Bigmeat, and Little Miss Cherokee Marcela Garcia. I would like to thank our EBCI Division of Commerce on their efforts to make this a wonderful and successful event.
The Painttown Community celebrated the groundbreaking for their new Painttown Community Building. The Painttown Community’s current building is not adequate to suit the needs of the community. I am pleased that Painttown community members will be able to meet and carry out business in their new building and I look forward to seeing what projects they can organize with their new space.
I would like to thank Congressman Mark Meadows for his involvement with the Cherokee community recently. Congressman Meadows travelled to Cherokee to present the Patriot Award to Jerry Wolfe for his service to our country and to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This award was granted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. Congressman Meadows also presented the first ever Town Hall meeting in Indian Country. Congressman Meadows has been a great friend to the Cherokee people, and I hope you join me in thanking him for his partnership.
This past week, I brought together all the EBCI Deputies and Directors for a Leadership Seminar hosted by former Principal Chief Chad Smith of the Cherokee Nation. This Leadership Seminar gave our top directors a fresh perspective with a renewed spirit for working for a better future for this Tribe. This Leadership Seminar is the first step in our Strategic Planning efforts. I believe in the importance of Strategic Planning for this Tribe as it will give us a goal to work towards in partnership with the Cherokee community.
I had the opportunity to present to the Macon County Board of Commissioners regarding Nikwasi Mound and its return to the Cherokee people. I am proud to announce that the Commissioners passed a resolution supporting the return of the Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee. I look forward to speaking with the Town of Franklin Board of Alderman as well as the Town of Franklin Mayor Joe Collins.
Finally, I was appointed to North Carolina Wildlife Commission by Speaker of the House, Representative Thom Tillis. I would like to thank Speaker Tillis for this appointment as well as the many individuals that made this appointment possible. I look forward to working with the Wildlife Commission to raise awareness about Western North Carolina issues surrounding hunting and fishing. As a Commissioner I will work to ensure laws are fair and appropriate to those who have a vested interest and are trying to do things correctly. Please contact me if you have issues that need to be addressed by the Wildlife Commission.
Unelanv adatolosdi nihi.
