NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Man from Cherokee among four indicted under Operation Take Back America
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced on Wednesday, Aug. 6 that a number of individuals are facing federal firearms and immigration charges under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime, repel the invasion of illegal immigration and achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs).
Cherokee woman charged for inflicting serious bodily injury on a child in Indian Country
Shawnenna Caroline Roland, 39, of Cherokee, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is facing federal charges for child abuse, child neglect, and assault in Indian country, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Dinilawigi tables several ordinances during August session
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tabled several ordinances during the Orders of the Day portion of its regular session on Thursday, Aug. 7. Several of these were tabled for more discussion before being brought to the floor for a vote.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Middle students advocate for Tenn. trust land bill
Cherokee students are making their voices heard on a House bill that would put land into trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in Tennessee. Students in David Pringle’s eighth grade social studies class at Cherokee Middle School recently completed a project on H.R. 226 (Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act).
10 Years of Cherokee Choices Stress & Healing Arts Retreat
Cherokee Choices just celebrated their 10th Anniversary of the Stress & Healing Arts Retreat (SHAR), a wellness retreat that ran from 2006 to 2011, and started back up in 2015 to now. This year’s two-day retreat, held on March 19 and 20, featured several workshops and sessions to promote healing and wellness for the Cherokee community.
Senior Spotlight: Nevayah Panther
Nevayah Panther is a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) and Kolanvyi (Big Cove). She is the daughter of Jennifer Wildcatt and Deino Panther.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call – Part One
Before and since I met my wife, I was a motorcycle enthusiast for fifty-some years. Back then, that is what you would have called me unless you saw me riding on the street with my colors, and then you would probably call me a biker.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: I miss church
I know the arguments and understand the desire to attract those ‘in the world’ to attend church with entertainment. But have we become so much like the world that it is hard to tell the difference? Have we lost our salt? Is our light like every other street light shining without brightness?
COMMENTARY: Sovereignty between a rock and a hard place
Over my years with the tribe, I have been a witness to a lot of chest-thumping over Indian sovereignty. From top tribal leadership to the lowest common denominator, we take pride in our perceived freedom.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Family support is crucial for youth sports
During a cross country meet, hosted by Swain Co. High School, at Kituwah on a recent misty morning, I witnessed something I see time and time again at sporting events – family support.
CROSS COUNTRY: Lady Braves continue winning ways at Swain-hosted meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves cross country team has won the team title at every meet they’ve competed in this season. They continued that streak at a meet hosted by Swain Co. High School at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 16.
JV FOOTBALL: Cherokee wins big on rainy Homecoming Night
Even with a lightning delay at the start and rain scattered throughout, the Cherokee JV Braves put on an offensive show for their Homecoming Night. Cherokee (4-1) topped Hayesville (1-3) by a score of 62-22 in a rainy game at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 14.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: John Joseph Long
John Joseph Long, 71, passed away at Mission Hospital on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was the son of the late Posey Long and Bessie (Catolster) Long.
OBITUARY: Julie Anne Smith
Julie Anne Smith, born on Oct. 21, 1967, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, Julie was a lifelong resident of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Johnny Wayne Browning
Johnny Wayne Browning, 68, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 16, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 1, 1956, to the late John and Bida Silver Browning.
HAPPENINGS
Landscapes by Jenean Hornbuckle to be exhibited in Virginia
Art on 16 Contemporary Gallery, in Marion, Va., is celebrating Native American Heritage Month in November by exhibiting the landscape paintings of Jenean Hornbuckle, an EBCI tribal member.
Native American Heritage Month to be celebrated at WCU with series of special events
November is Native American Heritage Month, and a series of events and activities is planned by Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Center in celebration of the designation.
Museum will offer stamped pottery workshop
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer a two-day workshop on making stamped pottery on Thursday, Nov. 1. Tammy Beane, of Collinsville, Ala., will teach how to make traditional Cherokee stamped pottery.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“Many Faces” mask exhibit opens at Museum of the Cherokee Indian
A new exhibit at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, called “Many Faces”, features the ancient art of Cherokee mask making in a modern realm and will inform visitors of this art form still practiced by some artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
“Unto These Hills” outdoor drama cancelled for 2020 season
The Cherokee Historical Association released the following statement on the afternoon of Monday, May 18 regarding the 2020 production of “Unto These Hills” as well as the opening of the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
“Unto These Hills” outdoor drama cancelled for 2020 season
The Cherokee Historical Association released the following statement on the afternoon of Monday, May 18 regarding the 2020 production of “Unto These Hills” as well as the opening of the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
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