NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Saunooke represents EBCI at National Head Start meeting
Tina Saunooke, Qualla Boundary Head Start and Early Head Start early education director, represented her program and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) at the National Indian Head Start Directors Association (NIHSDA) Policy Institute held recently in Washington, D.C.
EBCI becomes central donation, relief hub to support regional recovery efforts
In the aftermath of the recent devastation across western North Carolina, Cherokee, N.C. has emerged as a critical hub for recovery and re-supply operations. While the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was fortunate to avoid the storm’s most severe impacts, the tribe is now taking a leadership role in supporting neighboring communities through a coordinated relief initiative.
2024-25 EBCI Royalty crowned at 112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair
During the 112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair, the Little Miss Cherokee and Junior Miss Cherokee pageants were held on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Teen Miss Cherokee and Miss Cherokee pageants were held on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 3, and for the first time in 20 years, the Senior Miss Cherokee pageant was held on the afternoon of Oct. 3.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
A day in the life: Cherokee Royalty at the Choctaw Indian Fair
From July 9-14, 2023-24 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Royalty, including Miss Cherokee Scarlett “Gigage” Guy, Teen Miss Cherokee Kyndra Postoak, Junior Miss Cherokee Kennedy Moore, and Little Miss Cherokee Rhiannon Postoak, along with their chaperones and EBCI Pageant Board members Lisa Penick and Natalie Grant, travelled to Choctaw, Miss., to attend the 74th Annual Choctaw Indian Fair.
NC Healthcare Association honors Casey Cooper with Distinguished Service Award
Casey Cooper, chief executive officer of the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, has been awarded the North Carolina Healthcare Association’s (NCHA) highest honor — the 2024 Distinguished Service Award.
VisitCherokeeNC.com Wins Prestigious Gold dotComm Award
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has announced that VisitCherokeeNC.com has been awarded the Gold dotComm Award in the website redesign category.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Don’t shorten the primary process
I think allowing the primary period to be shortened further distances the community from the process of electing tribal officials and discourages qualified but lesser-known candidates from attempting to seek office. Similarly, the Election Board is asking for the filing period to be reduced to five days.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The New Covenant
The Old Covenant, initiated by God, who cannot lie or deceive, was with Abraham’s family.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The Proper Response
Habakkuk is a timeless lesson in Christian maturity; each of us needs reminding. If only we would consider his example in our lives today, what a blessing we would receive.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Lady Braves’ season was one for the books
As the last ball hit the floor ending the Cherokee Lady Braves 2023 volleyball season at Polk Co. High School on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 28, I hope everyone in attendance was aware of the magnitude of what their season meant.
Lady Braves bring home SMC Championship Trophy; JV Lady Braves Runners-Up
The varsity Cherokee Lady Braves volleyball team has made history once again.
GOLF: CHS Lady Braves win SMC Championship for first time in school history; Paytyn Barker named Player of the Year
The Cherokee High School (CHS) Lady Braves Golf Team won the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) Championship on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12 at their home course, Sequoyah National Golf Club, for the first time in school history.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Magan Leigh Wachacha
Magan Leigh Wachacha, 45, of Cherokee, passed away Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at Mission Hospital, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on Feb. 10, 1979, in Andrews, to Berdina Wolfe Salazar and the late Herman Wachacha. Megan was an avid basket maker where she displayed her work in many craft shops around Cherokee and the Snowbird communities.
OBITUARY: Benjamin “Benji” Scott Martinez
Benjamin “Benji” Scott Martinez, age 48, of the Birdtown Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning, Nov. 13, 2024.
OBITUARY: Lewana Nell Otter
Lewana Nell Otter was born on Dec. 19, 1971. She was 52-years-old when our Lord called her home on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
HAPPENINGS
Harrah’s Cherokee to host WSOP Circuit stop
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort will host its third World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit stop of the season starting on Wednesday, April 10.
Ken Jeong to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee
Actor, producer, and writer Ken Jeong will perform at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center on Friday, May 31.
“People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters” to open at Cherokee Museum
“People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters” will open Saturday, April 6 at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Tribal member’s work featured in “Powerful Women” exhibit at Eiteljorg
A new exhibit at the world-renowned Eiteljorg Museum will feature the work of a Cherokee artist.
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle discusses her debut novel
I sat down with Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle a week before the official publication date of her new novel “Even As We Breathe”.
Tribal member publishes first in series of children’s books
Flip and Flop, two lovable twin rabbits, are the creations of Leslie Pearson and will be featured in a series of 10 children’s books.
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