Western Carolina University’s 2019 Mountain Heritage Awards, given in honor of achievements in historic preservation and outstanding cultural contributions in the region, will be presented at Mountain Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 28, on the Blue Ridge Stage at 12:30 p.m.

JaTanna Feather takes a long look at her dancers. A few dozen pairs of feet bounce off the stage at the fairgrounds.

For over 11,000 years, Cherokee feet have danced on the ground of the mountains in western North Carolina. 

The Cherokee Youth Council (CYC) had a busy summer.  The members were involved in several activities and events. 

Yona Wade, Cherokee Central Schools director of community affairs, will receive the Indigenous Excellence Award from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) at their National Conference in Milwaukee, Wisc. on Oct. 10-12.  The award is part of the organization’s Professional Awards Program.

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian prides itself on educating visitors on the culture and life ways of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 

Total enrollment at Western Carolina University has crossed the 12,000-student threshold for the first time in the institution’s history, thanks in part to notable increases in distance education and graduate student populations and a surge of returning undergraduates.