NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
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.
Ordinance proposing changes to judicial code tabled
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Bradley Letts, a member of the EBCI, has submitted an ordinance suggesting changes to the judicial code, Chapter 7 of the Cherokee Code, that has now been tabled four times to work session with the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council).
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
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.
WRESTLING: Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) win SMC Championship
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) won the women’s Smoky Mountain Conference Wrestling Championship on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 22 at Cherokee High School which hosted both the men’s and women’s championship.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY: Rebecca Hillane Lambert
Rebecca Hillane Lambert, age 69, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Born on May 26, 1956, to Hilliard and Thadress Green Sneed.
OBITUARY: James “Matt” Barnes
James “Matt” Barnes, 68, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm