Inclusion, representation, and health – both physical and mental, are all passions of Dr. Natalie Welch who works daily to improve these in Indian Country.  A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Dr. Welch has worked with some of the tops in the sports business. 

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 25th work anniversary of Executive Director Julie Spiro Donaldson on Thursday, Feb. 15.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is often at the forefront of Indian Country, and a group of enterprising young Cherokee ladies have another first for the Tribe.  They have formed the Junior NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association) Cherokee Chapter which is the first such organization in the country. 

Ulster Museum, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has recently refreshed “Inclusive Global Histories”, an exhibition which was launched in March 2022 demonstrating National Museums NI’s continuing commitment to decolonisation, diversity and inclusion.  The exhibit will be on display until March 2025.

Lucina Lira is a youth development professional for the Cherokee Youth Center, an afterschool and summer youth program. Lira, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), attended the Youth Center as a child, and she now enjoys providing a fun and educational space for new generations.

Great Smoky Mountains Association has announced that, as of Feb. 1, the organization will operate under a new name and brand identity: Smokies Life.

A grant will help re-establish bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) plantings in various sites in Cherokee in a project that started a decade ago.