Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the testimony of Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing concerning Senator Tillis’ bill S.107. You won’t see me doing that much. My personal ethics are that I keep my personal opinions out of the public area when it comes to our politicians, because I feel a moral obligation to be objective in my coverage of our leadership.

I write as a concerned citizen of western North Carolina to draw attention to the growing encroachment on press freedom under the current administration, and the implications this has for our local democracy.

I have known Micah Swimmer for years, and one thing that has always impressed me about him is his hope surrounding Cherokee culture and language.  Whenever I see him at events, he is always sharing and educating. 

Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has co-sponsored a bill to grant recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina – a state-recognized group whose ancestry and identity have long been a source of deep controversy among neighboring Native nations.

During the Legislative Hearing on the Lumbee Fairness Act on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 5, United States Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, made some remarks that are damaging to the Cherokee people – Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – and the rest of Indian Country.

Scripture References: Proverbs 14:12, Romans 1:28, Hebrews 5:14, 1Kings 3:9

My name is Michael Stamper, and I have the honor of serving as the Council Representative for the Painttown Community. If you’re unfamiliar with me, I began my role in January 2023, filling the remaining months of the term vacated by the late and great Miss Tommye Saunooke. Since then, I’ve had the great privilege of being re-elected twice to continue serving the Painttown Community.

If you have ever seen Karyl Frankiewicz, you have seen her smile and you have seen her wonderful spirit.  She brings a smiling face and joy to everyone and every event she attends.