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
- March 21. Bingo
- April 14. Basket Raffle
- May 25-31. Silent Auction
Yabba Dabba Do! Bowl for Kids’ Sake. March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Galaxy Lanes in Sylva, N.C. This annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson, Swain, Macon, and Graham Counties benefits kids who could use a mentor. Teams of 4-5 bowlers enjoy two hours of bowling. Team members are asked to raise or donate at least $50, all of which goes directly to programs. Register/learn more at: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/bfks2025/
Turkey Shoot. March 22 at 2 p.m. at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Sponsored by Delbert Ross. Starting at 2 p.m., there will be a .22 caliber shoot for youth 15+under, 10 rounds, $1/shot. Bring your .22 however you have it set up (open sight, red dot, scope, etc.). It will be safe and fun. The regular shoot will begin at 3 p.m. Good fun, great prizes, great benefit.
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
Immersive Conversational Cherokee Language with David Jumper. Biweekly for six weeks from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Museum of the Cherokee People TJ Holland Education Room in Cherokee, N.C. on the following dates: March 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, and April 2, 7, and 9. Led by educator David Jumper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this is an intensive (rather than excelled or advanced level) class offered free of charge. Participants will use language as much as possible during class through call and response, partner and group work, and questions and answers. Topics will include everyday activities that apply to everyone, such as going places, working, etc. A general outline for class will be provided. Students will have the opportunity to hear and practicing speaking the language. All ages and “levels” of learners are welcome. Info: Museum of the Cherokee People (828) 497-3481
Seed Saving & Sovereignty workshop. March 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 876 Acquoni Rd. in Cherokee, N.C. Preservation of heirloom seeds helps to ensure future generations maintain a reliable food supply, supports financial self-reliance, preserves agricultural heritage, and reflects cultural traditions. This half-day workshop on the practice of seed saving will be led by Chris Smith from the Utopian Seed Project and Mary Thompson from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Attendees will hear an introduction to Seed Saving and how to increase income from seed sales and will experience a demonstration of Utopian Seed Project’s Mobile Seed Processing Unit. Thompson will share her seed-saving experience, related pottery, and issues surrounding tribal food security and sovereignty. Presenters will also cover Technical Aspects and Considerations of Seed Saving, Implications of Climate Change on Seed Saving, and Enterprise Budget Development for Profitable Seed Saving. There is no charge for this event. To register, call the Southwestern Community College Small Business Center (828) 339-4426. Info: EBCI Extension Agent Eric Mullen (828) 359-6928 or EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems Director Laura Lauffer (828) 359-6936
Ethelyn (Sis) Roberts Celebration of a Fantastic Life. March 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. The family states, “We look forward to seeing everyone and sharing our wonderful memories with each other. Thank you, The Roberts and Owl family.”
Easter Egg Market. April 4 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
Super Hero Every Child Matters Walk/Ride. April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Motorcycles, side-by-sides, and cars are welcome to join. Walk, bike, or ride in this event. Meet at the Museum of the Cherokee People parking lot in Cherokee, N.C. at 11 a.m. The walk/ride begins at 12 p.m. and travels Tsali Blvd. to the Oconaluftee Island Open Air Market. Activities to follow at the Island. Join PHHS Family Safety and community partners for an afternoon dedicated to raising awareness and providing education about child abuse. Info: Amy Nations (828) 359-1520
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
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.)
TERO Work Session. March 18 at 9 a.m.
Health Board. March 19 at 8:30 a.m.
Enrollment Committee. March 19 at 1 p.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. March 20 at 8:30 a.m.
Constitution Committee. March 20 at 5:30 p.m.
HEALTH & SPORTS EVENTS
3-v-3 Co-Ed Easter Basketball Tournament. April 6 at the Pam Taylor Gym in Cherokee, N.C. Sign-ups start at 12 p.m., games start at 12:30 p.m. 5-person roster. Entry fee per team is $20. Ages 14-16.
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
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
5280 2nd Annual Awaxa’wi Round Dance. March 20 in Lakewood, Colo. MC: Donny Speidel. Info: Shotae Tveter (520) 840-1176, Shotaetveter98@gmail.com
Bde’ Maya’ Tho’ Wacipi. March 22 at the Prior Lake High School Activity Center in Savage, Minn. MC: Jerry Dearly. Host Drum: The Boyz. Invited Drums: War Thunder, Red Lake, Imnizaska. Info: Freddy De Leon (952) 245-0562. fdeleon@plsas.org
50th Annual Dance for Mother Earth. March 22-23 at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Mich. Emcees: Shannon Martin and Bud Day. Host Drum: Meskwaki Nation. Info: danceformotherearth@gmail.com
Mascoutin Society of Chicagoland Winter Social Dance. Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster, Ind. MC: Leonard Malatare. Host Drum: Strongheart. Info: Mary Oost at Oostmm@aol.com
National Native American Hall of Fame Benefit Community Round Dance. March 22 at the Thunderbird Casino Event Center in Norman, Okla. Emcees: James Parker Shield and Dr. Cornel Pewewardy. Info: Cheryl Anquoe (405) 250-6931, cheryl@nativehalloffame.org
University of Redlands Pow Wow. March 22 at the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif. Info: Native Student Programs (909) 748-8344, nativestudentprograms@redlands.edu
3rd Annual Marin Pow Wow. March 23 at the College of Marin Gymnasium Kentfield Campus in Kentfield, Calif. MC: Tom Phillips. Host Drum: Northern All Nations. Info: Regina Weldon (415) 342-2049, Marinindnuz@aol.com
19th Annual Westwood Pow Wow. March 28-29 at Westwood High School in Mesa, Ariz. MC: Rick Yazzie. Host Northern Drum: Wild Krew. Host Southern Drum: Buc Wild. Info: Jaden Bird (480) 472-4606, jebird@mpsaz.org
FIHA 59th Annual Pow Wow. March 28-30 at St. Lucie County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierce, Fla. Host Northern Drum: Warpaint. Host Southern Drum: Battle Horse. Info: Richard Gallant (772) 519-7888, fihapowwows@gmail.com
2nd Annual Grand Mesa Pow Wow. March 28-30 at Colorado Mesa University’s Brownson Arena in Grand Junction, Colo. MC: Jackson Rollingthunder Tahuka. Co-MC: Steve LaPointe. Host Northern Drum: Black Lodge. Host Southern Drum: Cozad. Info: Monique Terpstra (970) 773-4765, mterpstra@wsnarc.com
Honor Pow Wow for Arlene Schonchin Comanche Nation Jr. Princess 2024-25. March 29 at the Comanche Nation Complex in Lawton, Okla. Emcees: Martin Flores and Louie Pohawpatchoko. Head Gourd Dance Singer: Kevin “Bubba” Sovo. Head War Dance Singer: Larry Monoessy. Info: JJ Schonchin (580) 583-2649 or Lynn Schonchin (580) 483-7067
Spirit of Nations Pow Wow. March 29 at Jefferson County High School in Dandridge, Tenn. Info: www.indiancreekproductions.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
* Storytelling on Sundays. March 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* 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.
Moravian Star presentation by Blair Collins. March 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center at 121 Schoolhouse Rd. in Robbinsville, N.C. Info: Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center (828) 479-3364
Jackson County Republican Party monthly meeting. March 20 at 6 p.m. at the Jackson County headquarters located at 40 W. Sylva Shopping Area in Sylva, N.C.
57th Annual Western Carolina University Juried Undergraduate Exhibition. Now through March 21 at the WCU Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee, N.C. A reception will be held March 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Info: www.arts.wcu.edu/57-juried
Swain Genealogy Society “Photo Day”. March 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Swain County Genealogy Research Center at 91 Brendle St. in Bryson City, N.C. The public is invited to bring their old photos to the Swain County Genealogical Research Center where you will have the opportunity to share those photos, along with your family history and stories that were passed down thru your family, with the researchers. All photos that are brought will be scanned and returned to the owner at that time. Info: (828) 488-2932
Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting. April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center at 45 East Ridge Dr. in Bryson City, N.C. During the meeting, Chris Siewers will present “Triumph of a Community: The Marianna Library”. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This is free and open to the public.
WCU Master of Fine Art Thesis Exhibition. April 8 to May 2 in the WCU Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee, N.C. A reception will be held April 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Info: www.arts.wcu.edu/mfa-25
Archaeology Day. April 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chief Vann House Georgia State Historic Site at 82 Hwy 225N in Chatsworth, Ga. See tools of an archaeologist, artifacts from the Vann’s era, participate in a “digging” activity, and enjoy other archaeology-themed activities. No archaeological digging on this day. Info: (706) 695-2598, vann_house_park@dnr.ga.gov
“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
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.
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