May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, bringing attention to one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting adults in the United States. For many, arthritis can make everyday activities – like getting dressed, cooking, or even holding a cup – more difficult and sometimes painful. While there is no cure, there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain independence, and one important resource is Occupational Therapy (OT).

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.

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).

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.

The Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program (CLMAP) 2025 cohort has worked closely with Western Carolina University (WCU) School of Art and Design assistant professor Tatiana Potts and her printmaking classes to create a series of children’s books for Cherokee language and cultural learning.

Scarlett ᎩᎦᎨ Guy will join 21 other Native American women in vying for the 2025-26 Miss Indian World (MIW) title later this week.  Guy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) who served as the 2023-24 Miss Cherokee, will compete at the pageant being held April 24-26, 2025 in conjunction with the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (GON) in Albuquerque, N.M.