This year’s Capitol Christmas came to Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 6, and the event saw the signing of two landmarks agreements between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the U.S. Forest Service. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials reported that the wildfire near Chilhowee Lake is currently 90 percent contained. Incident Commander Erik Newell coordinated wildland firefighter response to the wildfire which is estimated to be approximately 40 acres in size and is located on the western boundary of the park along Highway 129 near mile marker 4.5. 

The Center for Native Health 501(c)3 (CNH) has announced that it has received a subaward for $105,000.00 from the Rights and Resources Group (RRG) to conduct activities with the EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) entitled, “Strengthening Tribal Nation-led Conservation and Engagement with National Parks and Forests”.