NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi approves increase to tribal levy and privilege tax; approves FY26 budget
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved an increase to the tribal levy and privilege tax and approved the FY2026 budget for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Dinilawigi approves budget amendments, requests to apply for grant funding
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved several budget amendments and requests from programs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to apply for grant funding. Items No. 15-20, all submitted by Brandi Claxton, interim secretary of treasury, were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.
Dinilawigi tables, withdraws several pieces of legislation during September session
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tabled several ordinances during the Orders of the Day portion of its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4 including one designed to solve an upcoming vacancy on the Cherokee School Board. Several of these were tabled for more discussion before being brought to the floor for a vote.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Women’s History Month: Anitsalagi Anigeya
This week’s article features anitsalagi anigeya (Cherokee women) from New Kituwah Academy (NKA), the early childhood to sixth grade Cherokee language immersion school.
Poteete to be guest speaker at Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation has announced that Troy Wayne Poteete, Executive Director of the National Trail of Tears Association, will be the distinguished guest speaker for the 14th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala on June 21.
EBCI Community Clubs win WNC Honors
Several Community Clubs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians won in categories at the recent WNC Honors Awards, a program of WNC Communities. The Wolftown Community Club won the Impact Award.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Getting your affairs in order
We are all dying. One philosopher rightly said that from the moment you are born, really from the moment you are conceived, you begin to die. Each day is one day less in your life.
THE GOOD STUFF: Cherokee Rod Run a good time for everyone
This past weekend, I attended the Cruise the Smokies Cherokee Spring Rod Run which is an event I try to make annually because it is truly awesome. I am not a car guy by any stretch of the imagination. I’m a sports guy.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call: Part Three
I heard a quote the other day that rings true. “What was once shunned and hidden in the dark alleys is now openly displayed in our living rooms and broad daylight on Main Street.”
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee athletes win titles at SMC Championship
Several athletes on the Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track and field team won titles at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship (SMC) held at Andrews High School in Andrews, N.C. on the afternoon of Monday, April 24.
Atlanta Braves to host Second Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the second annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 24-25. The top 50 high school baseball players of Native American descent from around the country will participate in a pro-style workout on Saturday, June 24 and a showcase game on Sunday, June 25.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee travels to compete in Bulldog Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team traveled to Murphy High School to compete in the Bulldog Invitational on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 5.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Nancy H. Brady
Nancy H. Brady, born Sept. 6, 1960, went to celebrate life with the Lord and family on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
OBITUARY: Verlon A. McCoy
Verlon A. McCoy, age 85, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025. He is the son of the late, Lola (McCoy) Queen and Herman Lambert.
OBITUARY: Jack “Ray” Blankenship
Jack “Ray” Blankenship, 86, of Cherokee went home Thursday, April 3, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Roy and Georgia Goforth Blankenship.
HAPPENINGS
2nd Annual Joey Parker Memorial Ride
Just two short years ago, Joey Parker, an EBCI tribal member, left a multitude of friends in Cherokee and throughout the Southeast on his final journey.
Museum to offer Stamped Pottery Workshop
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer a two-day workshop on making stamped pottery on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21.
Upcoming Branch Out events scheduled in Park
Those interested in learning more about the country’s most visited national park are encouraged to join any of these programs set within Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cherokee Performing Arts taking risks with “Into the Woods”
With several musicals under their belts, the students in the Cherokee Performing Arts program at Cherokee Central Schools are taking some risks with their latest production, “Into the Woods”.
Foerst admitted to prestigious WCU musical theater program
Brennen Foerst, a 2018 graduate of Cherokee High School, has been admitted to the prestigious Western Carolina University (WCU) musical theater program for the fall semester.
ZZ Top to play Harrah’s Cherokee
ZZ Top will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Oct. 11. Tickets go on sale at ticketmaster.com on Friday, April 12.
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