The 2019 Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership graduating cohort is shown, left to right, back row – Chris Ledford, Jake Stephens, and Windall Toineeta; front row – Laura Blythe, Ashley Bottchenbaugh, Mariah Mahan, and Sheyahshe Littledave. (Photos courtesy of Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership program)
The 2019 Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership program cohort members completed the year-long program on Thursday, Sept. 12. They were honored with a community achievement ceremony where they were given the opportunity to introduce themselves in the Cherokee language, received an achievement certificate and their alumni swag, presented their group project, and gifted local charities with money they raised to help better our community. Also, at this ceremony, the 2020 Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership program cohort members were announced. The 2020 cohort will begin their year Oct. 2-3.
The Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership program is a culturally-based leadership program for enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians eighteen years old and older. Participants are required to attend two full days of training each month for one year and complete a group community project. It is a nomination program, where members of our community can nominate those they feel demonstrate leadership skills. In order to be accepted into the program a selection committee of program alumni meet and review applicants and invite those they think are a good fit for the program to be interviewed. After the interviews the selection committee invites up to ten people to be in the upcoming cohort. Nominations are accepted mid-April-mid June each year. Once accepted, the person’s employer must agree to let their employee participate in the program as part of their regular tour of duty instead of having to take leave or leave without pay.
The Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership program is part of the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute, a department of the Cherokee Boys Club. This program is sponsored by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Please contact Tara McCoy, Right Path Leadership Specialist with any questions at (828) 359-5542 or taramcc@nc-cherokee.com.
– Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership program release
The 2020 Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership graduating cohort is shown, left to right, Landon French, Melissa Smith, Dr. Blythe Winchester, Chelsea Martinez, Zachary Chekelelee, Olivia Blankenship, Abigail Long, Melody Little, and Agnes Reed.
