NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Ward surrenders, victim impact statements read
On the morning of Monday, July 13, Dakota Ward surrendered in Cherokee Tribal Court, with Judge Barbara “Sunshine” Parker presiding, to begin his five-year sentence for four counts of false imprisonment and child abuse in the first degree. Victim impact statements were read for the record.
Interior launches Electronic Probate System to modernize trust estate services for American Indian and Alaska Native Families
The Department of the Interior announced on Monday, July 13 the launch of the Electronic Probate System, a secure digital platform that modernizes how probate cases are managed for American Indian and Alaska Native families across Indian Country.
Official Results for Dinilawigi on Wednesday, July 1
Official Results for Dinilawigi on Wednesday, July 1
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Producing lifelong Cherokee language advocates: KPEP holds curriculum development workshop
Members of the Kituwah Preservation & Education Program (KPEP) and the Cherokee Language Masters Apprentice Program (CLMAP) – both programs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), along with visitors from the Cherokee Nation and Akwesasne Mohawk tribes, and others gathered at New Kituwah Academy on June 24-25 for a workshop to develop a three-year curriculum for adult Cherokee language learners.
Beloved Man honored in Hayesville
Davy Arch, Beloved Man of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was honored during the Open House and Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville, N.C. on Sunday, June 28. Darry Wood, who made a display for the Library entitled “The Young Cherokee Hunter”, presented Beloved Man Davy Arch with a blanket.
CNH Youth Conservation Clubs: Growing the next generation of Cherokee environmental stewards
The Center for Native Health (CNH), in partnership with New Kituwah Academy (NKA), Cherokee Central Schools (CCS), the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources Department, and Smokies Life, is proud to support the creation and ongoing operation of the Youth Conservation Clubs (YCC).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Enjoyable experience at Eastern Band Cherokee Pow Wow
I just wanted to thank you for allowing us to visit the Qualla Boundary and Cherokee this past weekend.
June report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of June. I apologize for the delay in submitting this month’s report, and I will work to ensure timelier submissions and publications moving forward.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Take your pick. Part 1 of 2
God, through His Word and us, accomplishes what He intends. God’s sovereignty is manifested either by divine intervention or the leading of the Spirit. He creates and changes man’s destiny through man’s free will.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI wrestlers compete at State; Cherokee High School tallies two State placers
Pippa Welch (women’s 152, third place) and Levi Tramper (HWT, fourth place) from Cherokee High School, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), competed in the 2026 NCHSAA State Championship Tournament held Feb. 19 to Feb. 22 in Greensboro Coliseum.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lillie Mae George Larch
Lillie Mae George Larch, 88, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Tsali Care Center, surrounded by her children.
OBITUARY: Jean Marie (Derry) Curren
Jean Marie (Derry) Curren was born July 1, 1932 to Albert and Irene Derry and raised in Newtown, Pa. After a long battle with illness, she fell asleep in death peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the age of 93, in Sylva, N.C.
OBITUARY: Lewis Hamilton Harding, Sr.
Commander Lewis Hamilton Harding, Sr., age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2026, in his beloved hometown of Cherokee, N.C.
HAPPENINGS
Food truck rodeo coming to Harrah’s Cherokee
Three Cherokee-owned food trucks will be setting up at The Cherokee Convention Center this Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5 to serve any and all who want an Indian dinner or Cherokee fare.
May classes at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, has released the May class schedule. The workshops will be hosted outside and led by Wildlife Commission staff. The Center’s COVID-19 policies are stated on their...
Mountain Heritage Day planning for return to WCU campus this fall
Mountain Heritage Day, the festival of cultural traditions presented by Western Carolina University, is again being planned as a live, in-person event on Saturday, Sept. 25.
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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