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.

On the morning of Thursday, Sept. 19, Tsali Care Center held the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their new facility. The state-of-the-art residential care facility will begin operations starting Oct. 14.

Rogelia Vega Evans, 26, of Lexington, N.C. was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 to 180 months in prison for engaging in sexual contact with a minor by force in Indian Country, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Upon his release from prison, Evans will be subject to a lifetime of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Firefighters observed little fire activity on the Flint Gap Fire yesterday, Wednesday, Sept. 18. While the current acreage estimate is 58 acres, only a few areas are actively burning within the perimeter. The fire is 0 percent contained; however, firefighters observed only 12 areas with heat along the perimeter yesterday.

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) approved an application on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 that restores the name of Clingman’s Dome, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), to its original Cherokee name, Kuwohi (mulberry place). 

The School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) met on Monday, Sept. 16, in the Central Office Board Room. The meeting was called to order at 4:47 p.m. by Chairperson Jennifer Thompson.