NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Resolution to change name of EBCI withdrawn
Following a lengthy discussion, a resolution that sought to change the name of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to Eastern Cherokee Nation was withdrawn during the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on Thursday, March 5.
Growing and growing: Per capita distribution approved from cannabis sales
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved Ord. No. 112 (2026) during its regular session on Thursday, March 5 which amends Cherokee Code Chapter 117 “to provide for the distribution of certain revenues from Qualla Enterprises, LLC to the Tribe and tribal members”.
Resolution passes for Birdtown Community Club to receive annual funding
On the afternoon of Thursday, March 5, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) voted to pass a resolution granting Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Club a one-time waiver to receive the $10,000 awarded to each community club annually.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
A passion for politics: Grayson Mathis’ extraordinary collection of political signatures
Grayson Mathis is a 13-year-old member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) attending North Carolina Cyber Academy. He has a passion for politics and history, and he has begun a massive project of collecting signatures from politicians, and some celebrities, amassing nearly a hundred in a little over a year.
Georgia’s Maxwell Guo wins gold in record-breaking World Series of Poker Main Event at Harrah’s Cherokee
The World Series of Poker (WSOP), the world’s most prestigious brand in poker, awarded $9.7 million during its most recent Circuit tour stop at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in western North Carolina, which ran Feb. 12-23. And the largest payday of all was secured by tournament rookie Maxwell Guo, took took down the Main Event for over $380,000.
Junaluska Museum’s online collection is telling story of Tutiyi (Snowbird)
The Junaluska Museum has been working recently on a project to bring its collection online and the story of the people of Tutiyi (Snowbird) alive. As of this printing, there are 129 records divided into three categories (Snowbird Day School Collections, Tutiyi (Snowbird) Community Collections, and Fading Voices Collection).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Fireworks, Part 1 of 2
Pastors, ministers, teachers, and musicians can get lost in their desire to serve the Lord and begin to serve themselves. Maybe you’ve met some. Perhaps you have fallen into Satan’s snare of pride. We are going to define how easy it is to happen and what is needed to escape the sin of hubris.
COMMENTARY: Dearly Beloved? The bitter dispute over recognition.
On March 2, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) had a work session on Beloved recognition. Some in the community had concerns about the process of lifting tribal members to be considered for the bestowing of the title of Beloved on tribal members.
Ask a Therapist – Are we all just overstimulated?
I keep finding that I am more frustrated lately with little things. I get mad and annoyed so much easier and by the end of the day I am so tired I just feel defeated. I didn’t used to be like this. What is happening?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Indoor Track & Field: Swimmer sets record as Cherokee participates in Swain County Polar meet
Cherokee High School’s (CHS) indoor track team participated in the Swain County Polar meet held at the Swain Co. High School Track on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Mrs. Bambi Lynn Sneed
Mrs. Bambi Lynn Sneed, a woman whose life was defined by love, culture, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community, passed from this world leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shine for generations.
OBITUARY: Rebecca ‘Becca’ Suzanne Crowe
Rebecca ‘Becca’ Suzanne Crowe, 42, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
OBITUARY: Dawson Wilnoty
Dawson Wilnoty, age 27, from Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. He was born Oct. 25, 1998 to Michael and Savannah Wilnoty. He was the grandson of Cleo and Chief Jonathan Taylor and the late Harriet James Seqyouyah and Bernard Wilnoty.
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
Two Cherokee women receive NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award
Two Cherokee women have received the In These Mountains NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award to better delve into the ancient art of making honeysuckle baskets
“In Light and Shadow”: New book highlights Indigenous photography
Three years in the making, a new book highlights the history of Indigenous photography. Co-authored by Brian Adams and Sarah Stacke, “In Light and Shadow: A Photographic History from Indigenous America” takes the reader on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of photography by Native Americans.
Alea Martens will make modeling debut at Kananesgi
The Kananesgi Fashion Show will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Alea Martens, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), will make her modeling debut. She will model clothes by Mrs. Freida Saylor, an EBCI tribal member and designer.
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