NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Flip the Script: Tribe celebrates Older Americans Month
In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Senior Citizens Program hosted an event at the old Cherokee High School on the morning of Friday, May 9.
EBCI Government Explained: The Judicial Branch
According to Cherokee Code Sec. 7-1(a), “The Judicial Branch shall be comprised of one Supreme Court, one Trial Court, and such other Trial Courts of Special Jurisdiction as established by law.
Three new ordinances submitted during May Dinilawigi (Tribal Council)
Three new ordinances were submitted during the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) regular session on Thursday, May 1.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SCC recognizes Ugvwiyuhi Hicks for Distinguished Alumni Award
Michell Hicks, Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been named the recipient of Southwestern Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute to celebrate Alumni Week and announces International Conference Opportunity
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to share two exciting updates that reflect their continued commitment to culturally based leadership development for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Code Purple: A Community Response
Jeff Helpman, pastor of The Grove Church on Franklin Grove in Bryson City, heads a Code Purple warming center at his church with the help of his wife, Jodi Helpman, who is graduating this May from Western Carolina University’s Master of Social Work program.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Soldier’s Perspective – Part 1
The Whole Armor of God is a military reference to preparing for battle with evil. Ephesians 6: 10-20.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Disagrees with North Carolina Election Director replacement
Elections in North Carolina have remained fair, trusted, and continuously under attack by those unable to accept the outcome.
EDITORIAL: Eastern Band unity
Now more than any time in our history since the Removal, we need to be a people focused on purpose and committed to each other in action.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: CMS athletes place at SMC Middle School Championship
Several members of the Cherokee Middle School (CMS) placed in the top three at the Smoky Mountain Middle School track and field championship held at Swain Co. High School in Bryson City, N.C. on Monday, April 28
Atlanta Braves to host Fourth Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the fourth annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 21-22. The top high school baseball players of Native American descent from around North America will participate in a showcase experience at Truist Park from Saturday, June 21 through Sunday, June 22.
WRESTLING: Cooper signs with Frostburg State University
Anasette Cooper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Swain County High School (SCHS), signed a letter of intent to wrestle collegiately for the Frostburg State University Bobcats during an event held at SCHS on the morning of Friday, March 28.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Alma Panther Johns
Alma Panther Johns, 84, of the Big Cove Community, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 8, 2025. A native of Cherokee she was the daughter of the late Samuel Panther and Emaline Sequoyah.
OBITUARY: Barbara J. Robie
Barbara J. Robie, 77, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 6, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Mary Queen Jackson.
OBITUARY: Ernest D. Panther
Ernest D. Panther better known as “Ernie”, age 90, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 after an extended illness. He is the son of the late Sam Panther and Emmaline Sequoyah.
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
“Grease” is the word: Cherokee Central is heading to Rydell High
The antics of Danny and Sandy and the T-Birds and Pink Ladies will be brought to life by students in an upcoming production by the Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) musical theatre program.
Tribal member named a Virginia A. Groot Craft Futures Resident
Ky’Lee Robison, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) with Mvskoke heritage, has been selected to receive the prestigious Virginia A. Groot Residency at the Center for Craft.
Sneed’s art shown in exhibit at Hickory Museum of Art
Lenoir-Rhyne University students participated in an exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art recently entitled “The Art of Profession” which featured students in the Advanced Studio Practices, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was one of those featured. Tishara Sneed, an EBCI tribal member who also has Dine’ (Navajo) heritage, displayed three ceramic masks for the exhibit.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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