NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Bill introduced to restore Alaskan mountain name to Denali
President Donald Trump issued an executive order recently changing the name of the mountain known as Denali to Mount McKinley – a name it had from 1917 to 2015. Now, two Alaskan senators have introduced a bill to change it back.
Terri Henry appointed as Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief)
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks has appointed Terri Henry as the new Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi, bringing her extensive experience in tribal governance, advocacy, and policy to this critical role. As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) faces political challenges, including the Lumbee group’s push for federal recognition – Henry’s experience in sovereignty, legal reform, and government relations will help keep the EBCI’s interests front and center.
Bill to place Tennessee lands into trust for EBCI passes House
A bill (H.R. 226) that would place 76 acres of land, containing several Cherokee historic sites in eastern Tennessee, in trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Shop local in Cherokee for Valentine’s Day
The Sweetheart Market is coming soon on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Peaches Squirrell Sports and Recreation Complex in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown).
EBCI tribal members to shine on the runway at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week
Cherokee designer Faith Long-Presley is making waves in the fashion world with her upcoming showcase at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week. Representing her community with pride, she has selected 11 models from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to model her designs during the event.
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 – 2nd 9-weeks Grading Period
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 – 2nd 9-weeks Grading Period
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: Lumbee Tribal Chairman attacks media coverage of Lumbee federal recognition
On the afternoon of Feb. 10, John L. Lowery, tribal chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, released a public memo making accusations of “propaganda articles” and “fake news reports” from the “smear campaign” of the “multi-million-dollar propaganda machine of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”
COMMENTARY: A Cherokee Valentine’s Day
My favorite fruit is ani (strawberry), partly because I enjoy them and I grew up with Strawberry Shortcake (the cartoon and the dessert), but mainly because of the Cherokee Legend of the First Strawberry that I first heard in kindergarten in Mrs. Sammi Saunooke’s class.
THE GOOD STUFF: Roger Smoker provides hope to language revitalization
Roger Smoker, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the chairman of the Cherokee Speakers Council, is determined to see the language thrive – not just survive.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
VOLLEYBALL: Lady Braves advance to 1A West Regional Championship
For the first time in school history, the Cherokee Lady Braves volleyball team will be competing for the title of NCHSAA 1A West Regional Champions. The (#1) Lady Braves defeated (#5) Cornerstone Charter Academy on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the Charles George Memorial Arena in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 1A State volleyball playoffs, propelling them to the west regional championship in historic fashion.
CROSS COUNTRY: Three CHS runners qualify for state meet
Three Cherokee High School (CHS) runners placed at the 1A West Regional Cross Country championship held at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 26 and have qualified for the 1A State Championship meet. Ogana Swimmer, Dvdaya Swimmer, and Livia Crowe all qualified for the state meet set for Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, N.C.
FOOTBALL: Braves move up in SMC with second consecutive shutout
The Cherokee Braves (5-2) have moved into second place in the Smoky Mountain Conference following their second consecutive shutout in a row. The Braves defeated the Hayesville Yellow Jackets 22-0 at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 and sit in second place in the SMC behind Murphy (7-1).
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Bryan Steven Squirrel
Bryan Steven Squirrel, 41, of Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of George Squirrel of Cherokee and the late Sarah Elizabeth Bradley.
OBITUARY: Reginald “Reg” Enloe Moody Sr.
Reginald “Reg” Enloe Moody Sr., 89, passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at Mission Hospital after a period of extended illnesses.
OBITUARY: Wiggins Blackfox
Wiggins Blackfox, age 71, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
HAPPENINGS
Most events at Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds cancelled for May
With the landscape constantly changing regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has cancelled or rescheduled most of the events at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds for the month of May.
Folkmoot International Festival cancelled due to COVID-19
The 37th annual Folkmoot International Festival, scheduled for July 18-26, has been cancelled, due to uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19.
SCC to offer webinar, “Preparing your business for the threat of Coronavirus”
Is your business prepared for the Coronavirus? Southwestern Community College will be hosting a webinar on that topic from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CCS Student Art Show Award recipients
Cherokee Middle School (CMS) and Cherokee High School (CHS) held their Student Art Show on the Night of the Arts at Cherokee Central Schools on Thursday, May 9.
Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theater presents “The Addams Family”
The Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Musical Theater performed “The Addams Family: School Edition” on the evenings of May 9-11. The play was packed with the classic Addams Family characters, spooky ancestors, and Cherokee humor.
EBCI tribal member takes top honor at Trail of Tears Art Show
The longest-running Native American juried art show and competition in Oklahoma announced its top honors during a special reception on April 5 at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza.
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