NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Grand opening held as Tribal ABC Store moves location
On the morning of Monday, May 11, a grand opening and ribbon cutting was held for the new location of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Store located on Cherokee Crossing Rd. The store, which opened in 2022, was located at Tsali Blvd.
“Champion Your Health”: EBCI holds 22nd Annual Elder’s Walk event
According to the Tribal Enrollment Office of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, there are 2,740 tribal elders (59 ½ years or older). In recognition of Older Americans Month and to celebrate EBCI tribal elders, the 22nd Annual Elder’s Walk event was held at the old Cherokee High School site in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Friday, May 8. The event was sponsored by the EBCI Senior Citizens Center.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Smith represents EBCI at United Nations Forum on Indigenous Health
Jasmine Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), made history as the youngest EBCI representative to speak at the recent United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), addressing global leaders on Indigenous health and environmental protection.
Faith Long-Presley becomes first to graduate from all four Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute Programs
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to recognize Faith Long-Presley, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), as the first individual to complete all four leadership programs offered through the Institute’s culturally based leadership learning continuum.
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
COMMENTARY: We should all do less nose-thumbing and more listening.
I recently had coffee with a friend who was sharing frustration about a coworker who neglected or ignored duties.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Layaway Plan, Part 2 of 2
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so, through him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” NIV
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: 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.
OBITUARY: Goliath Taylor
Sherman Taylor, better known as “Goliath” to most, passed away on Tuesday, April 30 at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of his family. Though known to many as a quiet and steady man, to those who loved him most, he was a constant presence–strong, dependable, and full of quiet humor.
OBITUARY: Alethea Thomas Smith
Alethea Thomas Smith, age 85, of the Shepherds Creek community, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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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