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.