NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI making progress on MMIP database development
In May, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed a resolution directing the development of a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) database for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Every child matters: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation event held
Hundreds of people turned out, wearing orange shirts, to commemorate the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation event hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Cherokee Tribal Court hearing held for alleged sex abuse by former Swain Co. Sheriff
On the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 29, former Swain Co. Sheriff Curtis Cochran appeared in Cherokee Tribal Court with Judge Barbara Parker presiding. Cochran is being represented by criminal defense attorney Jack Stewart.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
A player’s responsibility: Wayohi’s Cory Junaluska
Cory Junaluska, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Wayohi (Wolftown) Anetso (Stickball) team.
A commitment to culture: Kolanvyi’s Chris Hornbuckle
Chris Hornbuckle, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) from the Kolanvyi (Big Cove) Anetso (Stickball) team. Hornbuckle works for Qualla Housing as a carpenter/crew leader.
Family Safety named EBCI PHHS Program of the Year
On Friday, Sept. 19, against the backdrop of the Mother Town of the Cherokee, EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Public Health & Human Services Division honored employees who embody excellence, service, and cultural values.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COLUMN (Living the Arte Suave): The essence of a walking stick
By ARMANDO BASULTO It is a generally held belief that inanimate objects have no feelings or emotions or memories of their own. When human beings project their own feelings and bias into objects it's called anthropomorphism. It’s a big word for a simple...
OPINION: Statement from Qualla Boundary MMIW on former Sheriff Cochran
We stand in solidarity with survivors and families as former Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran faces charges of rape and sexual assault. Our community gathers in peaceful protest because silence is not an option.
COMMENTARY: What happens next – Remembering Sept. 25, 2024
Many of you are aware that last year, on Sept. 25, Hurricane Helene made its presence felt in the mountains of western North Carolina. Many said that they had never seen anything like it.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Atlanta Braves to host Fourth Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the fourth annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 21-22. The top high school baseball players of Native American descent from around North America will participate in a showcase experience at Truist Park from Saturday, June 21 through Sunday, June 22.
WRESTLING: Cooper signs with Frostburg State University
Anasette Cooper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Swain County High School (SCHS), signed a letter of intent to wrestle collegiately for the Frostburg State University Bobcats during an event held at SCHS on the morning of Friday, March 28.
SOFTBALL: Lossie signs with Montreat College
Amila Lossie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior member of the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity softball team, signed a letter to intent to play collegiately for Montreat College during an event held at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Monday, March 24.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Sheridan Everett “Sonny” Smith
Sheridan Everett “Sonny” Smith, 76 of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.
OBITUARY: Carly Elizabeth Johnson
Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Her unexpected departure has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her most.
OBITUARY: Mystical Parker
Mystical Parker, 54, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away after a period of declining health on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
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
Tafoya receives prestigious art award
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya has been named one of 10 recipients of the LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artist Award given by the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF). Tafoya, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with Santa Clara Pueblo heritage, is a multi-medium visual artist who has a love of basketry.
Urgent, check out the upcoming Foreigner show at Harrah’s Cherokee
Next year, the legendary band Foreigner will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The group, 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees which has sold over 80 million records worldwide since forming in New York City in 1976, is set to play at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
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Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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