NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Interior, USDA Forest Service expand mental health support for federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers
The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced on Friday, June 20 that federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers now have access to expanded mental health support through a network of licensed providers.
Brew Brothers joins expansion lineup at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has been in constant growth since breaking ground on its $275 million expansion project in October 2022. As the project nears completion, the property is excited to announce the addition of Brew Brothers, a renowned brewpub founded by the Carano family in 1995, to its roster of amenities.
EBCI Government Explained: Cherokee Police Commission
The Cherokee Police Commission’s duties and responsibilities are outlined in Chapter 120 of the Cherokee Code. Sec. 120-1 states, “The Cherokee Police Commission is hereby established as a law enforcement oversight component of the Tribe appointed according to C.C. Section 120-4.”
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Dancing into Legacy: The Bottchenbaughs
Bernice and Rick Bottchenbaugh, elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove) and champion traditional powwow dancers, have been dancing with their children since the early eighties.
Cherokee Youth Center honors its heart and soul: Staff, Board, and Tribal Government
In a recent heartfelt ceremony filled with gratitude and celebration, the Cherokee Youth Center honored its Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and the steadfast support of the Tribal government—three pillars that continue to uphold its mission of serving Cherokee youth.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation expands efforts to enhance tourism economy
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Dogwood Health Trust to support regional strategies to advance tourism and related economic development.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: An old African Proverb
Many people decline to participate in the ministry because they feel they have nothing to offer. They are not speakers, teachers, leaders, or educators, and they do not think they are a vital part of the body of Christ.
COMMENTARY: Truth and Transparency in Journalism
I can understand how frustrating it must be to be a government official these days. In a world where even the most delicate item about a person’s personal life can be easily “pulled up” on a website or social media page, readers can find out most things about most people and things in a few moments of research online.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Soldier’s Perspective – Part 3
I know you are not reading this for a history lesson on the life of a Roman soldier but now think about what Paul was saying when he wrote this. As soldiers for Christ, we must be willing and ready as dedicated and enlisted soldiers for His work 24/7 and not be distracted by our civilian life.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: The meaning of a teammate
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) have continued to dominate in the 2024-25 season, initiating a mercy rule running clock for most of their games, echoing last year’s championship run.
SOFTBALL: Tiger-Harlan signs with Reinhardt University
Mica Tiger-Harlan, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Smoky Mountain High School (SMHS), signed a letter of intent at SMHS in Sylva, N.C. on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 28 to play softball for Reinhardt University.
BASKETBALL: Rogers signs with Montreat College
Around 100 people filed into the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 25 to witness a very dedicated athlete sign to play at the next level. Whitney Rogers, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and a senior member of the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity basketball team, signed a letter of intent to play for Montreat College during the ceremony.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY: Linda Sue Arch
Linda Sue Arch, 68, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
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
Hill exhibits work in “Future Imaginaries” show
A Cherokee artist is pushing her artwork into the future. Luzene Hill, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has a piece included in the “Future Imaginaries: Indigenous Art, Fashion, Technology” show running now at the Samuel & Minna Grodin Gallery at The Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, Calif.
WCU Fine Art Museum exhibition wins Bronze Award
Denise Drury Homewood, executive director of the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University, believed “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson” exhibition was an award winner from the start.
“The Way We Connect with the World:” A Night for Indigenous Filmmaking
The Museum of the Cherokee People hosted their annual Indigenous film screening, “The Way We Connect with the World,” on the evening of Friday, Aug. 2 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
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