NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Resolution seeks to halt constitution opinion referendum
During an Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on Oct. 21, legislation was passed that approved a referendum regarding opinions on the future of the work being done on a constitution for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Mary Crowe, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from Elawodi (Yellowhill), has now submitted a resolution asking that Dinilawigi rescind the legislation approving the referendum.
Ceremonial Grounds project about to start
The structures at the Ceremonial Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. were demolished several years ago, and the property has sat idle since. That is all about to change.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Woodcarving Club starts up in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) member, carver and art collector Driver Blythe has started a biweekly woodcarving club at the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Building with renowned Cherokee carvers Davy Arch and Dewey Owle.
“A sacred space”: Kuwohi Connection Day held to educate students
The low-hanging clouds, mostly blue skies, and brisk temperature made for a magical morning as area students attended Kuwohi Connection Day at Kuwohi (Mulberry Place) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 9.
WCU–CIHA partnership grows Cherokee’s next generation of healers
In the midst of ongoing staffing challenges across the healthcare industry, the innovative partnership between Western Carolina University (WCU) and the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is doing exactly what a great pipeline should do – it matches local talent with meaningful careers close to home, expands continuing education opportunities, and opens career-ladder pathways for enrolled members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: To Senator Mullin
During the Legislative Hearing on the Lumbee Fairness Act on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 5, United States Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, made some remarks that are damaging to the Cherokee people – Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – and the rest of Indian Country.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Easy Peasy, Part 2 of 2
Scripture References: Proverbs 14:12, Romans 1:28, Hebrews 5:14, 1Kings 3:9
Report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
My name is Michael Stamper, and I have the honor of serving as the Council Representative for the Painttown Community. If you’re unfamiliar with me, I began my role in January 2023, filling the remaining months of the term vacated by the late and great Miss Tommye Saunooke. Since then, I’ve had the great privilege of being re-elected twice to continue serving the Painttown Community.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: CHS athletes place at regionals and qualify for state meet
Several members of the Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team qualified for the 1A state championship meet with their performances at the 1A West Regional meet at Montreat College in Black Mountain, N.C. on Saturday, May 11.
ON THE SIDELINES: It’s the celebrating that makes sports special
Sports provide a great time of celebration. It is that raw emotion that I love about sports, and it is 100 percent what I love about sports photography.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts Smoky Mountain Conference championship
Cherokee High School (CHS) played host to the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) track and field championship on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 1.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Mary Lynn Johnson
Mary Lynn Johnson, 67, Whittier, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Cecil and Bernita Johnson.
OBITUARY: Georgia Elaine Driver
Georgia Elaine Driver, 60, of Cherokee, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy West and Ralph Maney.
OBITUARY: Ralph Eugene Christie Sr.
Ralph Eugene Christie Sr., 89, of Salisbury, N.C., passed away Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
HAPPENINGS
Park and DLiA to host Smokies Species Day
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the non-profit partner Discover Life in America (DLiA) are celebrating the diversity of life in the park by hosting “Smokies Species Day” at Sugarlands Visitor Center on Saturday, June 29
Park to host Smokies Service Days
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is inviting the public to participate in “Smokies Service Days” beginning June 29
Los Moralitos Circus bringing a family tradition to Cherokee
To say that the circus is a family tradition for the Vazquez family would be an understatement.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Dracula returns to Cherokee
“Last year we built it, and I feel like this year we’re crafting it,” said Bailey Frankenberg, who plays Lucy Westerna in “Dracula: The Failings of Men”.
“Disruption” shakes up Museum of the Cherokee Indian exhibit
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is switching gears on its permanent exhibit and taking funerary and ceremonial objects off display. Taking these items off display created holes in the exhibit which have been filled with contemporary Cherokee art pieces.
Kansas returns to Cherokee
After 10 years, prolific rock band Kansas is coming back to the mountains of North Carolina and will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort this Saturday, June 25.
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