NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Roads Commission meeting held; Police Commissioner Joseph “Buddy” Johnson raises concerns
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Roads Commission meeting was held on the morning of Monday, May 18. The meeting was called to order at 9:01 a.m. by Dinilawigi Taline Gahvsgi (Tribal Council Vice Chairman) David Wolfe.
CCS School Board holds May meeting
The School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) met on Monday, May 4 in the Central Office Board Room. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jennifer Thompson at 4:45 p.m.
Cherokee Historical Association awarded $520,000 Grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has announced it has been awarded $520,000 in grant funding from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. This investment will support vital enhancements and CHA’s historic venues – Mountainside Theatre and Oconaluftee Indian Village.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Gov. Stein appoints Myra Cloer to Cherokee Preservation Foundation Board of Directors
Myra Cloer is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove). She was appointed to the Cherokee Preservation Foundation Board of Directors by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein in April.
CMS students voice support for Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
Students in David Pringle’s 8th grade social study class at Cherokee Middle School are letting their voices be heard in regards to Cherokee getting back an important piece of land.
Former Ugvwiyuhi Lambert shares his story in “The River”
Patrick H. Lambert, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has poured his heart and soul into a new book. “The River: A Cherokee Principal Chief’s Fight for Family, Truth, and Vindication” chronicles his life which has included many historical moments for the EBCI.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: What are our cultural norms regarding elk hunting?
So, I have been watching the debate over the prospect of tribal elk hunting evolving. And as I have observed and listened, it was curious to me how much our discussions sounded like the outside world and not that of culturally sensitive people.
COMMENTARY: She showed up for 13 years and so did her community.
When I spoke with Ava Walkingstick, Youth of the Year Nominee, her Cherokee Youth Center Manager, and the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tar Heel Region, I expected to hear a success story. What I heard was something deeper — a testament to what happens when a community refuses to leave its young people behind.
COMMENTARY: You are not alone. You are not broken
Good evening everyone. My name is Marissa Bradley-Ward and I am a person in long term recovery from Substance Use challenges.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: A wrestler’s code for life
Wrestling is special. It’s ancient, it’s biblical, it’s unlike any other sport in the world, but it can help you be better in every other sport.
Shirley Reagan receives USA Judo National Referee certification
Shirley Reagan, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been doing Judo for years, and she recently hit a milestone in the sport she loves. She has received certification as a USA Judo National Referee and can officiate any national tournament in the United States.
WRESTLING: Cherokee H.S. competes at regional meets; two wrestlers qualify for state
The Cherokee High School (CHS) men’s and women’s wrestling teams competed in two separate regional events this past week, and two CHS wrestlers have qualified for the upcoming state meet scheduled for Feb. 19-21 at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Kendra Jean Taylor
Kendra Jean Taylor, 60, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully in her sleep on the night of Friday, May 8, 2026.
OBITUARY: Charles “Cotton” Young
Charles “Cotton” Young, 84, was born on April 4, 1942, and passed on Friday, May 1, 2026 peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.
OBITUARY: Bernadine S. Bradley
On Friday, May 1, 2026, Bernadine S. Bradley, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
HAPPENINGS
Museum of the Cherokee Indian to host Community Writers’ Workshop Series
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) has announced the Confluence: An Indigenous Writers’ Workshop, an opportunity offered to citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians throughout 2023.
“Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” exhibition on display through May
The exhibition “Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” aims to reinforce the significance of Cherokee masks, their history and use, as well as their meaning and significance.
University of North Carolina Asheville to host “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival
The University of North Carolina Asheville is hosting the “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival and Residency on April 11-14.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
EBCI members to star in production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars”
Ashlie Blaske and Steve Wood are both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) starring in a production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars,” written by Tlingit actor Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, presented by Sky Bear Media and directed by Nez Perce actor Josephine Keefe, at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Wash.
Tribal member releases new titles in “Angelina the Adventure Cat” book series
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is expanding on a book series based on her beloved Maine Coon cat, Angelina.
Indigenous Poetry Anthology seeking EBCI writers
Work is currently being solicited for a new contemporary Indigenous poetry anthology from the Wesleyan University Press, and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are being encouraged to submit their work for consideration.
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