Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Scott at scotmckie@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
Senior 2025 Fundraisers at the West Senior Center (formerly Tsali Manor). Info: Annette Craig (828) 226-6703
- May 25-31. Silent Auction
Big Y Free Labor Side X Side Fundraiser Ride. April 26 at 10 a.m. Start and finish at the Big Y Gym at 2641 Wrights Creek Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. This event is sponsored by the Big Y Community Club, and all proceeds will go to Big Y’s Free Labor group. $50 per vehicle, drivers must be 18 or older. Two free meals for each vehicle, additional meals $10/each. Door prizes, must be present to win. Info: Bree Lambert (828) 788-3308
Cherokee Speakers Council Bingo Fundraiser. May 10 at the Birdtown Community Building at 1146 Birdtown Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Doors open at 5 p.m. Bingo starts at 5:30 p.m. $25/adult packs for 15 games, $10/kid packs, and five specials sold separately. Concessions will be available.
Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. July 12 starting from 7923 Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Registration at 9 a.m., KSU at 12 p.m. $25 per rider, $30 with passenger. Proceeds will benefit the Cherokee Family Safety Program. Info: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989
EBCI COMMUNITY EVENTS
Finger Weaving Friday. Every Friday in April from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People Art Studio in Cherokee, N.C. Join Lead Atsila Anotasgi Cultural Specialist Nola (EBCI) in a crafting circle. Enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes are invited to bring a project they’re currently working on or begin a new weaving using materials brought from home or sourced from the Museum’s selection. Beginners and experienced weavers welcome; instruction available. This opportunity is free of charge and registration is not required.
Big Cove Pentecostal Holiness Church Holy Ghost Revival. April 16 at 7 p.m. at the Big Cove Pentecostal Holiness Church at 7710 Big Cove Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Pastor Robert French is the revival host and will be joined by Dr. Will Chambliss.
Garden Kit Giveaways. Must show EBCI enrollment card. One kit per household. Info: (828) 359-6939, mmahan@ebci-nc.gov
– April 23 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cherokee County Indian Community Club Pavilion in Murphy, N.C.
– April 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jacob Cornsilk Complex in Tutiyi (Snowbird).
– April 24 following lunch until 1 p.m. at the West Senior Center (formerly Tsali Manor) in Cherokee, N.C. This is for EBCI elders only.
– April 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Kits will given away during the Spring Garden Fair.
9th Annual Spring Garden Fair. April 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. This event features seeds, plants, yard art, education information, and a Re-Purpose It contest for youth ages 5-17. Vendor tables are available for $10 or a door prize donation. Vendor tables are free for informational, educational, and activities for children. NAIWA will be serving breakfast biscuits and Indian Dinners. For more information or to reserve a table, call Lucille Wolfe (828) 736-5285
Cruise the Smokies Spring Rod Run. April 25-26 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the old Cherokee High School site at 1441 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Admission is free for spectators. For participants, register online at www.CherokeeRodders.com. Info: Cherokee Rodders (828) 226-6853
National Day of Prayer event. May 1 at the Acquoni Baptist Chapel in Cherokee, N.C. Church doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lunch will be provided in the Fellowship Hall.
Cherokee History & Stories with Kathi Littlejohn. May 4 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Cherokee People TJ Holland Education Room in Cherokee, N.C. Historian and storyteller Kathi Littlejohn, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, leads an informal lecture series at Museum of the Cherokee People this winter and spring. May topics include the third session of her Cherokee Regions series and will discuss the Overhill towns, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and prominent people including Dragging Canoe, Red Clay, Attacullaculla, Nancy Ward, Timberlake, and Sequoyah. This opportunity is free and open to all. Registration is not required.
Visitor Celebration Day. May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Welcome Center at 498 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee, N.C. Live music and entertainment, stickball demonstrations, traditional dancers, giveaways, local vendors with unique crafts and goods, food trucks and food vendors, and more. There is no charge for vendors. Tables and chairs will be provided, and sign-up is available at the Welcome Center. This is a free event. Info: Cherokee Welcome Center (828) 359-6490
13th Annual Seven Clans Rodeo. May 24-25 at 181 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee, N.C. Gates open at 5 p.m. daily and the rodeo starts at 7 p.m. This is a SRA-sanctioned event for bull riding, bronco riding, saddle bronc, and barrel racing. Adults: $20, Children 5-and-under are free. Info: Cherokee Welcome Center (828) 359-6490
EBCI COMMUNITY REGULAR MEETINGS
Cherokee Storytellers meet the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ray Kinsland Leadership building in Cherokee, N.C. All ages are welcome. The group shares stories and resources.
Cherokee storytelling and Cherokee history in the Snowbird Community Library at 60 Snowbird School Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C., every fourth Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for March 20, April 16, and May 18.
Cherokee History & Stories. Through June 2025 on the first Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. in the TJ Holland Education Room at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. Museum of the Cherokee People welcomes storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, for Cherokee History & Stories. This free educational series will explore culturally significant places, stories, and key figures in Cherokee history. All are welcome to listen and learn; no registration is required.
TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Qualla Housing Committee. April 17 at 8:30 a.m.
Planning Board. April 22 at 1 p.m.
Work Session on Land Use. April 23 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Beloved Men/Women. April 23 at 10 a.m.
Work Session on Christmas Checks. April 23 at 11 a.m.
Roads Commission. April 28 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. April 28 at 10:30 a.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
Smoky Mountain Cheer Club Team Evaluations. April 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m; April 23 from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m; May 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (7-10 years) and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (11-19 years); and May 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cheer abilities for any age (3-19). Info: (828) 226-9943, smokymountaincheerclub@gmail.com
2nd Annual Cherokee Autism Celebration. April 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Unity Field at 257 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee, N.C. Hosted by the Jackson Swain Qualla Boundary Support Group (Autism Society of North Carolina). Info: Candy Ross (828) 359-2203, candross@ebci-nsn.gov, or Amanda Bradley 359-2204, amanbrad@ebci-nsn.gov
Snowbird From Darkness Into Hope event. May 1 at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Little Snowbird Field on 1897 Snowbird Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C. This is a mental health and well-being event focusing on suicide prevention. Vendors needed. Info: (828) 359-1529, radocrow@ebci-nsn.gov
Mother’s Day 5K. May 10 at Kituwah. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., Walk/Run begins at 9 a.m. General fee is $15 that will increase to $20 on May 1; $10 for youth ages 1-12 and elders 59+. Register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/BrysonCity/CherokeeChoicesMothersDay5K. Info: Yolanda Saunooke (828) 359-6784, yolasaun@ebci-nsn.gov
Breakaway Sports Cherokee Sports Camp (Baseball 5, Kickball, and Ultimate Frisbee). June 9-11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Donald “Kool-Aid” Queen Gym in Cherokee, N.C. In partnership with Cherokee Baptist Church, daily Bible devotions and snacks are included. Info: Call or text (423) 933-6986
POW WOW LISTINGS
56th Annual Kyiyo Celebration. April 18-19 at the Adams Center in Missoula, Mont. Emcees: Ruben Littlehead, Darrin Old Coyote. Host Drum: Showtime. Info: Kyiyo Native American Student Association (Univ. of Montana) (406) 243-5946, kyiyo@umontana.edu
47th Annual ASWSU Pah-Loots-Puu Pow Wow. April 19 in the Beasley Coliseum on the campus of Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. MC: Randy Bowen Jr. Host Drum: Dancing Eagle. Info: Joelle Edwards at joelle.edwards@wsu.edu
First Nations University of Canada Spring Celebration Pow Wow. April 19-20 at The Brandt Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. MC: Elmer Rattlesnake. Info: Bonnie Rockthunder (204) 292-3253, springpwowwow@firstnationsuniversity.ca
Western Oregon University 30th Annual Pow Wow. April 19 in the NPE Gym on the campus of Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Ore. MC: Nick Sixkiller. Info: Multicultural Student Union (503) 838-8403, msu@wou.edu
Virginia Tech Spring Pow Wow. April 19 on the GLC Law on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va. MC: Rufus Elliott. Host Southern Drum: Southern Eagle. Info: Native at VT Student Organization at native@vt.edu
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. April 24-26 in the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, N.M. Emcees: Dennis Bowen, Ruben Little Head, Juaquin Hamilton-Youngbird, James Edwards. Invited Drums: Show Time, Southern Style, Mountain Kree, Charging Horse, Suthern Boyz, Leading Arrow. Info: www.gatheringofnations.com
32nd Annual Choctaw-Apache Pow Wow. April 24-26 at the Choctaw-Apache Tribal Grounds in Ebarb, La. MC: Tim Tallchief. Host Southern Drum: Mahli Trail. Info: Jason Rivers (318) 422-7705, jasonwrivers71@gmail.com
35th Minot State University Annual Spring Honor Dance & Pow Wow Celebration. April 25-26 at the Minot State University Dome in Minot, N.D. MC: Charlie Moran. Info: Annette Mennem at Annette.mennem@minotstateu.edu
Carmel Band of Rumsen Indians Community Gathering & Pow Wow. April 25-27 at Arcadia County Park in Arcadia, Calif. MC: Michael Reifel. Host Drum: Wildhorse. Info: Maria Martinez at mmart19633@aol.com
Villanova University 1st Annual Pow Wow. April 26 at the Villanova University Mendel Field in Villanova, Pa. MC: Jeff Pegram. Host Drums: All Nations, Old Sound. Info: Autumn Coard (631) 644-6771, arayne3430@gmail.com
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@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
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
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
WESTERN N.C. & BEYOND EVENTS
Upcoming events at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at 123 Cromwell Dr., Townsend, Tenn. Info: (865) 448-0044
* Smoky Mtn. Fiber Fair. April 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Storytelling on Sundays. April 27 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Kids Take Over the Museum Day. May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Sunset Series Concert: Acoustic Eidolon. May 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
* Storytelling on Sundays. May 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Legends Concert: Smooth Sailor. May 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lunch & Learn presentation by Maureen Williams, M.Ed., BSN, RN, CCM, CDCP. April 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Harris Regional Hospital Easton Board Room in Sylva, N.C. Explore the importance of advance directives, including how to make informed decisions about your future healthcare and ensure your wishes are honored. Living wills, healthcare power of attorneys, and how to start the conversation with loved ones will be covered. RSVP: (770) 776-7291, Lillian.ferguson@lifepointhealth.net
Jackson County Republic Party monthly meeting. April 17 at 6 p.m. at 40 W. Sylva Shopping Area (Harold’s Supermarket shopping center) in Sylva, N.C. Info: Kitti Chisholm (828) 844-1186
“The Making of Our Planet” with Dan Tapster. April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the WCU Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall in Cullowhee, N.C. Info: www.arts.wcu.edu/ourplanet and www.arts.wcu.edu/tickets
Greening Up the Mountains Festival. April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Sylva, N.C. This festival celebrates the arrival of spring through both traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and beverage. The schedule for the Bridge Park Music stage is: TLQ+2 – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Maggie Valley Band – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Bird in Hand – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Robertson Boys – 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Info: Mark and Tammy Haskett, event coordinators, (828) 554-1035, greeningupthemountains@townofsylva.org
Branton and Lower Noland Creek Cemetery Decorations. April 27 at Branton and Lower Noland Creek Cemeteries. To attend, you will need to drive 4 miles up the Noland Creek Road or carpool with someone from the Noland Creek Trail Parking Area on Lakeview Drive (Road to Nowhere). Decorations are held rain or shine. A parking pass will be needed for parking. The gate will open at 9 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Dress is casual, please wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for hiking and weather conditions.Hosted by the North Shore Cemetery Association, this event is in cooperation with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Info: www.facebook.com/NorthShoreCemeteryDecorations or call (706) 896-2183
Qualla Community Club Community Service Day. April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Qualla Community Club at 181 Shaol Creek Church Loop in Whittier, N.C. Volunteers needed for painting, electrical, landscaping, gutters, general construction, etc. Info: quallacommunityclub@gmail.com
Biscuit Basket Class. May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn. The cost of the class is $55/person with materials included. Bring your lunch. Mary Welch Thompson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will teach the class. Space is limited. Call (423) 884-6246 to register and pay for the class.
Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Fiber Day. May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Folk Art Center Auditorium at Milepost 382 in the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, N.C. This annual event, a favorite tradition for over 30 years, highlights the diverse and vibrant world of fiber arts, from felting and quilting to weaving, knitting, spinning, and more. This year, Fiber Day takes on special significance as it serves to support the recovery of the western North Carolina craft community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. While admission to the event is free, attendees are encouraged to consider making a donation to support the Folk Art Center staff, who have been instrumental in assisting local artisans as they rebuild their livelihoods. Every donation helps to strengthen the resilience of WNC’s creative economy and supports the artists who are keeping the region’s handmade traditions alive. Info: Folk Art Center (828) 298-7928, info@craftguild.org, or http://craftguild.org/events
Little Middle Folk School. June 15-21 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C. The school opens its doors to young folks ages 7–17 for Little Middle Folk School, a lively weeklong session for children and youth to discover Appalachian culture and to take part in hands-on programs in dozens of arts and crafts. Participants are divided into two groups. “Littles” are rising second graders to rising sixth graders, and “Middles” are rising seventh graders to rising 12th graders. This year, several scholarship slots are available for Middles on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: https://folkschool.org/events/little-middle
Vann House Day. July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. Demonstrations and activities like that of an 1800s farming family. Local craftspeople will demonstrate 19th century skills such as blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, blow guns, and more. The Vann Mansion, Cherokee Farmstead, Vann Kitchen, and Museum will be open for self-guided tours. Enjoy live fiddle music. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov