NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Planning Board approves plan to repurpose Cherokee Fitness Complex Pool
In an effort to save money on repairs, the Planning Board of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has approved a plan to repurpose the pool at the Cherokee Fitness Complex. EBCI Secretary of Education Sky Sampson presented the plan to the Board during its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 22, and it was approved unanimously.
Honoring Our Values, Empowering Our People: RKLI receives support from Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI), a department of the Cherokee Boys Club, has been awarded a $336,872 grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to further its mission of creating a community of selfless leaders deeply rooted in Cherokee culture for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Two men pleaded guilty to trafficking illegal drugs in Macon County
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced that two men in two separate cases in Macon County pleaded guilty recently to trafficking illegal drugs.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
10 Years of Cherokee Choices Stress & Healing Arts Retreat
Cherokee Choices just celebrated their 10th Anniversary of the Stress & Healing Arts Retreat (SHAR), a wellness retreat that ran from 2006 to 2011, and started back up in 2015 to now. This year’s two-day retreat, held on March 19 and 20, featured several workshops and sessions to promote healing and wellness for the Cherokee community.
Senior Spotlight: Nevayah Panther
Nevayah Panther is a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) and Kolanvyi (Big Cove). She is the daughter of Jennifer Wildcatt and Deino Panther.
Wasdi Iga (Ramp Day) with the U.S. National Forest Service
On Thursday, March 27, the United States National Forest extended an exciting invitation to forage ramps at Standing Indian, located just beyond Franklin, N.C. The elders, eager to embrace this opportunity, quickly signed up.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Matthew Tooni is passionate about sharing music and language
At last year’s Kituwah Celebration, the gentle sounds of a flute could be heard wisping through the air at the ancient Mother Town of the Cherokee. The beautiful sounds were being performed by Matthew (Matt) Tooni, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who always brings beautiful music and a passion for Cherokee language and culture wherever he goes.
EDITORIAL: “Strengthen Our Tribal Communities Act” is unfair to the EBCI
If a new North Carolina state house bill passes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) would be sharing a portion of its gaming revenues with various state-recognized groups and organizations including the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The basic premise is ludicrous, but read on.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call – Part Two
Everyone can identify and know what you are talking about with these statements. These examples are universal life experiences.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SOCCER: Blythe-Ramos signs with Shaw University
Lillian Blythe-Ramos will trade the maroon and gold of Cherokee High School (CHS) for the same colors at the next level. She signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer with Shaw University, located in Raleigh, N.C., during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, March 18.
Cherokee dominates All-District selections
Three of the five selections for the NCBCA (North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association) Women’s All-District 12 selections are from Cherokee High School.
BASKETBALL: TWO IN A ROW FOR CHEROKEE
For the second year in a row, the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) lifted the 1A Women’s Basketball Championship trophy. In doing so, they made school history by being the only team from Cherokee High School to win back-to-back state titles.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Wilma Lambert
Wilma Lambert, 82, of Cherokee, passed away Monday, April 21, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Andrew Jackson and Nola Griffin Lambert.
OBITUARY: Glenda Moore
Glenda Moore, 77, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2025 in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Patrick Ernest “Rick” Sneed
Patrick Ernest “Rick” Sneed, 60, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at his home.
HAPPENINGS
“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.
Food truck rodeo coming to Harrah’s Cherokee
Three Cherokee-owned food trucks will be setting up at The Cherokee Convention Center this Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5 to serve any and all who want an Indian dinner or Cherokee fare.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Carving a path: The future of Cherokee art collection
Driver Blythe, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is a graduate student and student teacher in Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Studies program.
Kananesgi holds 6th Annual Fashion Show
The 6th Annual Kananesgi Fashion Show, Art Show, and Art Market were held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The event included several Indigenous designers and vendors.
2024 Kananesgi Art Show winners
The 2024 Kananesgi Art Show was held on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center.
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