Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
NAYO Fundraiser Bingo Night. July 6 at the Pam Taylor Painttown Gym. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Adult packs: $20. Children’s Packs: $10. Three special games. Proceeds will go to the 10U softball team EBCI Uktenas. Info: Cemone (828) 226-7173
Cherokee Children’s Home 40th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser. Aug. 15-16 at the Sequoyah National Golf Course in Cherokee, N.C. Tee times will be scheduled for each team by the clubhouse. Call (828) 497-3000 in advance to request a specific tee time. $350 per golfer includes cart and greens fees. Lunch provided each day. Info: www.cherokeeboysclub.com/golf or Ericka Sweet (828) 359-5575, ericka.sweet@cherokeeboysclub.com
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
7 Principles for Financial Wellness Workshop. June 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the TERO Training Center at 149 Children’s Home Loop in Cherokee, N.C. This workshop will discuss practical steps you can take to better manage financial resources. Topics will include: creating a savings safety net, building a budget, credit and debt, investing, taxes, giving back, homeownership, auto loans, insurance, and building personal wealth. To register, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/nx6FTGSfb3
Big Y Community Food, Fireworks, and Friends event. July 4 at 6 p.m. at 2641 Wrights Creek Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Please bring a chair. Water activities will be present. Duck Derby during event. $5 per duck. Prizes for first, second, and last duck to cross the finish line. See Bree Lambert, Mick Crowe, Mykel Lossiah, or Tara Reed-Cooper to purchase.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Pow Wow. July 5-7 at the old Cherokee High School site in Cherokee, N.C. Emcees: Rob Daugherty and Dennis Bowen. Arena Director: Darrell Goodwill. Head Dance Judge: Will Tushka. Head Northern Drum Judge: Osceola Redshirt. Head Southern Drum Judge: Perry Cheevers Toppah. Invited Northern Drums: Wild Rose, Little Bear Singers, Iron Swing, MGM. Invited Southern Drums: Cozad, Blazing Bear, Southern Slam, South Side. Over $150,000 in prizes. Must be a member of a federally recognized tribe or First Nations (Canada) People to contest. Info: Daniel Tramper (828) 399-0835, dtramper@gmail.com
4th of July Fireworks. July 6 at 1441 Acquoni Road (old Cherokee High School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490
1974 Class Reunion planning meetings. July 10 and 24 at 11 a.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. These meetings are to plan the 50th Class Reunion for Cherokee High School which will occur on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Tsali Manor picnic area. There will be a meal provided at the reunion at an estimated cost of $15/person. RSVP yourself and one guest by calling (828) 497-5289 and leave a message on the answering machine which will answer with “Little People Boutique”. Bring any old photos and/or memorabilia to the reunion.
Firecracker Market. July 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Lunch by Melitia. Lots of local vendors and crafts. Info: Denise Walkingstick (828) 508-2211
Professional Development Workshop for Cherokee Artists. July 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. The Museum is partnering with Mountain Bizworks and Craft Your Commerce for a free workshop for Cherokee artists. In this workshop, industry professionals will work with participants to give them the tools to showcase their work online and maintain an online presence. This opportunity is open to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is offered at no cost. Registration is required. Schedule: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Optimizing Your Online Presence: Websites, Online Sales, and Communications. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch provided. 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Simple Product Photography: Creating Effective Product & Promotional Images. Register: bit.ly/3XiQZX0
PACT Act Benefits and Resource Claims Event. July 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, N.C. During the event, you can: speak with representatives, get answers to VA benefits and claims questions, file a claim, learn about Compensation and Pension Exams, and more. Info: Mary Culley (405) 626-3426, Mary.Culley@va.gov or Samuel G. Ball (919) 805-2572, Samuel.Ball@commerce.nc.gov
The Way We Connect with the World event. Aug. 2 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Events Center in Cherokee, N.C. Since 2022, Museum of the Cherokee People’s “The Way We” events have been an opportunity for the Museum to honor and highlight Native pop culture and showcase timely perspectives for Cherokee people, primarily by, Cherokee people. These community-centered events put Native self-representation in the spotlight and uplift the work that Native people are doing to explore identity through artistic expressions in film, music, visual art, and more. Info: Museum of the Cheroke People www.motcp.org
NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor spaces available for $10/table. To reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby. Aug. 3 at the Oconaluftee Island Park in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6471
Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 4 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. Sequoyah died in August 1843 – the exact day is not known. The Museum has chosen the first Sunday in August to remember him and his life. Free admission to the Museum on this day. Info: (423) 884-6246
Cherokee Central School Back to School Bash. Aug. 8. Cherokee Elementary School 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Cherokee Middle School and Cherokee High School 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Film screening of “Nature’s Wisdom Thru Native Eyes”. Aug. 19 at the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee, N.C. The movie features several members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is being presented by the Cherokee Historical Association and the Center for Cultural Preservation. The event will include an art market, dance demonstration, and a panel of special guests. The event is a fundraiser for both organizations. Tickets can be purchased at: https://cherokeehistorical.org/special-event-film-screening/
Confluence: An Indigenous Writers’ Workshop. Sept. 20-21 in the Museum of the Cherokee People Multipurpose Room. Created in partnership with Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and author of the award-winning novel “Even As We Breathe”, this series of workshops offers EBCI tribal members and members of other federally recognized tribes access to high-quality writing instruction from the world’s top Indigenous writers at no cost. Workshops are open to the public is space is available. Visiting writers and registration opening date is to be announced. Info: Museum of the Cheroke People www.motcp.org
Cherokee Indian Fair. Oct. 1-5 at 1441 Acquoni Road (old Cherokee High School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 788-1708
Cherokee Fall Rod Run. Oct. 11-12 at 1441 Acquoni Road (old Cherokee High School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 226-6853
Scareokee. Oct. 31 at 181 Tsali Blvd. (old Cherokee Elementary School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490
Cherokee Christmas Parade. Dec. 14 in downtown Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6490
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Lands Committee. June 27 at 9 a.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Rally for Recovery. July 12 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Complex in Cherokee, N.C. Free family event. Guest speaker is Dr. Stephen Loyd. Everyone is welcome. T-shirts for the first 650 people. Food, raffles, music, and fun vendors. Info: (828) 359-2203
Tim Hill Memorial Fishing Tournament. July 13-14 in the general fishing waters of the Qualla Boundary. $10,000 in cash prizes. Registration deadline is Friday, July 12.Registration fee is $15. Paid fish permit fee covering both tournament days is $17. Fishing hours are one hour prior to sunrise until one hour after sunset. Tag turn-in time is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each respective tournament day. Turn in your tags at 517 Sequoyah Trail in Cherokee, N.C. (across from the Cherokee Welcome Center. Info: https://fishcherokee.com
First Annual Introduction to Competition Youth Fly Fishing Tournament. July 26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (educational activities) and July 27 full tournament day (times to be announced). Must be a student of Cherokee Central Schools or New Kituwah Academy. Must attend day one to qualify. Middle School Division (6th – 8th grade) and High School Division (9th – 12th grade). Prizes for first, second, and third. Registration deadline is Sunday, June 30. Register at: bit.ly/ccs-fly-fish. Info: Christopher Davis (919) 896-2524 or Christopher.davis@ccs-nc.org
Qualla Country Fishing Tournament. Aug. 24-25 in the general fishing waters of the Qualla Boundary. $20,000 in cash prizes. Registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 23. Registration fee is $15. Paid fish permit fee covering both tournament days is $17. Fishing hours are one hour prior to sunrise until one hour after sunset. Tag turn-in time is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each respective tournament day. Turn in your tags at 517 Sequoyah Trail in Cherokee, N.C. (across from the Cherokee Welcome Center. Info: https://fishcherokee.com
7 Clans Rodeo. Aug. 31-Sept. 1 at 181 Tsali Blvd. (old Cherokee Elementary School site) in Cherokee, N.C. Info: (828) 359-6471
SUPPORT GROUPS
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life Recovery is a Bible-based 12-step small group meeting held Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. held in the Rivercane Conference Room at Analenisgi. All material is provided. This small group is for anyone struggling in life with addiction, food, depression, anxiety, relationships, or spiritual struggles. Info: Deb Conseen-Bradley at kellideb@gmail.com or Scott Hill (828) 508-7836
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
SHINE! Vacation Bible School. June 23-28 at Old Savannah Baptist Church at 138 Sutton Branch Rd. in Sylva, N.C. June 23-27 meal at 5:30 p.m., line up at 6:15 p.m. June 28 (commencement) begins at 6 p.m., meal to follow
Swain County Democratic Party hybrid in-person/remote meeting. July 8 at 7 p.m. at the United Community Bank at 145 Slope St. in Bryson City, N.C. Discussions will center on community events and planning future activities. Call (828) 488-1234 or email SwainCountyDems@gmail.com for a link to join the virtual meeting or for more information.
Wayside Exhibit Sign Dedication for Unicoi Turnpike: A Cherokee Removal Route. July 13 at 2 p.m. at the L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St. in Murphy, N.C. Hosted by the North Carolina Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, the new exhibit will commemorate the route by which Cherokees were removed and will introduce the public to the Unicoi Turnpike as a Removal route. Info: Sue Abram at smabram@wcu.edu or Dianne Wells at missionfarm@frontier.com
U.S. Poet Laureate visit to Park. July 20 at 11 a.m. at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon will visit on her “Poetry in Parks” tour. There will be a book signing and various hands-on, family-friendly activities.
Living Legacy Fall Trade Fair. Aug. 23-24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum at 522 W. Madison Ave. in Athens, Tenn. Admission is free. Demonstrations of woodcarving, soap making, Appalachian music, hand quilting, herbal tinctures, felting, beadwork, pyrography, and more. Info: www.livingheritagemuseum.org
15th Annual Season of Concerts on the Creek. Every Friday night (through Labor Day) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bridge Park in Sylva, N.C. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers, or tents are allowed. There will be food trucks on site for this event. These concerts are organized and produced by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Sylva and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. Info: Jackson County Chamber (828) 586-2155, visit https://www.mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek/ or Concerts on the Creek’s Facebook page.
Gatlinburg Farmers Market. Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Oct. 19 at 1222 E. Parkway next to City Hall in Gatlinburg, Tenn., across from Food City. Free parking. Still accepting new vendors. Info: Glo (865) 640-7190, glotreecastle@gmail.com, or www.TheGatlinburgFarmersMarket.com