Tina Saunooke, Qualla Boundary Head Start and Early Head Start early education director, represented her program and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) at the National Indian Head Start Directors Association (NIHSDA) Policy Institute held recently in Washington, D.C. 

In the aftermath of the recent devastation across western North Carolina, Cherokee, N.C. has emerged as a critical hub for recovery and re-supply operations. While the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was fortunate to avoid the storm’s most severe impacts, the tribe is now taking a leadership role in supporting neighboring communities through a coordinated relief initiative.

During the 112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair, the Little Miss Cherokee and Junior Miss Cherokee pageants were held on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Teen Miss Cherokee and Miss Cherokee pageants were held on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 3, and for the first time in 20 years, the Senior Miss Cherokee pageant was held on the afternoon of Oct. 3.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina joins the Justice Department and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), as well as law enforcement agencies, community organizations, victim service providers, advocates, victims, and survivors in observing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

Tropical Storm Helene hit western North Carolina hard bringing large amounts of rain which caused flooding throughout the region on Friday, Sept. 27.  The Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.) was among the areas affected and saw flooding in various places including the Oconaluftee Island Park in downtown Cherokee which was completely underwater by mid-morning on Friday. 

Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief Michell) Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) expressed gratitude on Thursday, Sept. 26 for Congressman Chuck Edwards’ (R-N.C.) support of tribal sovereignty, particularly his opposition to the Lumbee bill.

On the afternoon of Sept. 18, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) held a work session to discuss autism awareness on the Qualla Boundary.

Tamara Seay, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), gave birth to a baby girl, Jailyn Bird, on Sept. 22, 2004. Just two years later, in January 2006, Tamara, who was 18-years-old, was found murdered in the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Three Cherokee men were charged and convicted in connection with her death.