By PRINCIPAL CHIEF MICHELL HICKS
Doyu ulihelisdodi agiwonihisdi hi gvnigesv igvndii.
Principal Chief Michell Hicks, shown with USET executive director Kitcki Carroll, gives the morning invocation and asks for a moment of silence for the late Vice Chief Bill Ledford at the USET meeting on Thursday, Oct. 31 at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
As Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, I am honored to be blessed by sharing in many events on behalf of our tribe. I am pleased to share my experiences with you.
I am very excited to thank the committee that executed the Harvest Half Marathon and 5K. This was a very successful event, and I am pleased to report that it generated $22,458.39 to benefit the Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation. I would like to thank all the volunteers that put in countless hours to ensure this event went smoothly and professionally. Additionally, I would like to welcome all the runners to come join us next year for the 2014 Harvest Half Marathon and 5K.
Every year, the Hospital Foundation hosts a Gala to support the needs and services of our Cherokee Indian Hospital. This year’s event, themed “Fire and Ice, A Masquerade Affair”, was a wonderful success. I am always excited to share this fun and important event with others in the Cherokee community. I look forward to see what they have planned for next year.
The Eastern Band hosted the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) Conference at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel on Oct. 28-31. USET meetings give the Eastern Band, and the other 25 tribes involved, an opportunity to address regional and national issues affecting Cherokee people and Native Americans in general. A unified message and approach to national politics greatly increases the chances of improving the well-being and happiness of Tribes throughout America.
I would like to take a moment to express my condolences to the family and fellow friends of former Vice-Chief Bill Ledford. His presence and continuous smile will be sincerely missed.
In closing, I would like to invite everyone to attend the Veteran’s Day Celebration at the Fairgrounds on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11am. Please take time to join me in celebrating the lives, accomplishments and sacrifices of the EBCI servicemen that have fought for our great country.
Unelanv adatolosdi nihi.
