NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Cherokee Police Commission holds September meeting
The Cherokee Police Commission held their monthly meeting in the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) training room on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 11. Vice Chairperson Tunney Crowe called the meeting to order at 11:03 a.m.
Dinilawigi General Election Recount held
On the morning of Tuesday, Sept.9, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Board of Elections held a hand-count recount in the Tribal Council House for the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown), Aniwodihi (Painttown), and Wayohi (Wolftown)/Big Y (Widagalinidisgv) Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) General Election results.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Unto These Hills” set to celebrate its diamond anniversary
“Unto These Hills”, the outdoor drama that tells the story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is set to celebrate its diamond anniversary (75 years) this year.
Smokies Life selects Jim and Leslie Costa as 2025 Steve Kemp Writers in Residence
Smokies Life has announced Jim and Leslie Costa as the recipients of its 2025 Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency. During their residency, the North Carolina-based couple plans to continue work already underway to write and illustrate a forthcoming field guide to the Smokies insects to be published by Smokies Life.
CIHA names 2025 Hayes Award and Employee of the Year recipients
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the recipients of its highest employee honors for 2025: Jason Sain, winner of the Hayes Award for Quality and Safety, and Rhiannon Spicer, named Employee of the Year.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: What Motivates You? Part 1 of 2
The various forms of pride in humans are Satan’s sneakiest sins. Pride creeps into our lives, minds, and hearts in many ways.
Ugvwiyuhi Hicks and Ugvwiyuhi Hoskin Jr. respond to Ann Coulter’s tweet
Following are responses from Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Ugvwiyuhi Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation, to a tweet (right) from Ann Coulter.
COMMENTARY: Reservation Dogs (and Cats)
I routinely travel over Soco Mountain on my commute to and from work. It is a pretty drive during most times of the year, and it is a great time to reflect on and sometimes detoxify from what can be a frustrating, confusing, and thought-provoking workday.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s establish the Will Poolaw Fan of the Year Award
The first On the Sidelines column I wrote many years ago was on the biggest Cherokee Braves fan I have ever met – Mr. Will Poolaw. Will is a staple at Cherokee sporting events, and his ever-present smile and can-do attitude bring life into the sidelines at every one of them.
ON THE SIDELINES: Family and fan support for athletics is crucial
At every athletic event I cover, there are always fans with many of them being family of the athletes. Being on the sidelines, I can hear the cheers for the athletes coming from the stands – which are generally full.
SOFTBALL: Zoie Shuler signs on with UT
Zoie Shuler, a senior at Robbinsville High School and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, signed on to play softball for the University of Tennessee (UT) on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Robbinsville High School gymnasium.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Robert Cooper
Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
OBITUARY: Billy Ray Jones
Billy Ray Jones, 89, of Sylva, North Carolina was called home on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born in Sylva, N.C., on March 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Maudie Wykle and Aude Jones. He was the third oldest of nine brothers.
HAPPENINGS
The Southern Momma Cledus T. Judd Comedy Experience coming to Harrah’s Cherokee
Bang Productions presents The Southern Momma Cledus T Judd Comedy Experience, produced by John Edmonds Kozma and featuring Comedians Red Squirrel and Gary Cargal, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Friday, June 14.
Alabama to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee
Alabama will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Friday, May 24. Tickets go on sale at www.ticketmaster.com on Friday, March 8.
Region A Partnership for Children Community Groups Workshop and Meeting schedule for March 2019
Region A Partnership for Children Community Groups Workshop and Meeting schedule for March 2019
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cherokee Heritage Center prepares for 50th annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale
Artwork is now being accepted for the 50th annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale, hosted by the Cherokee Heritage Center.
Tribal members receive fellowships from South Arts
Two members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have been named recipients of South Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellowships.
UNC Asheville series to feature EBCI author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle
UNC Asheville will host three virtual author lectures throughout the spring semester.
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