Celebrating ‘Long Man’: Eastern Band Cherokees work together to care for their rivers
On a crisp autumn morning, the Yellowhill Community Center in Western North Carolina buzzed with excitement as more than 120 Cherokees and their allies shared conversations, laughter and a hearty breakfast. They had descended upon the center in the Qualla Boundary on Oct. 19 to mark the second annual Honoring Long Man Day in the homelands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Man faces murder charges in Kobe Toineeta death
The Cherokee community is mourning the death of Kobe Toineeta, 25, who died by homicide Friday, Nov. 11.
Seventeen candidates vie for two seats in special election
Voters in Cherokee’s Dec. 15 special election will choose from a crowded field of candidates seeking to fill two unexpected vacancies on Tribal Council.
Cherokee Central Schools gets funding for cost-of-living, minimum wage increase
The Cherokee Tribal Council allocated an additional $1.38 million to Cherokee Central Schools during an Oct. 24 Annual Council session, increasing the school system’s minimum wage to $15 per hour and giving employees a cost-of-living increase.
Cherokee Council updates ethics ordinance
During an Oct. 17 Annual Council meeting, the Cherokee Tribal Council approved an ordinance that strengthens ethics laws for tribal officials — but struck a proposed change that would have restricted their activity for a year after leaving office.
Tribe partners on Kentucky horse race track
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a key partner in a $55 million effort to bring the state’s first track dedicated to quarterhorse racing to a 200-acre property outside of Ashland, Kentucky, with a groundbreaking ceremony held Friday, Oct. 28.
Rob Saunooke announces campaign for chief
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Rob Saunooke is banned from practicing law on the Qualla Boundary. While Judge Sharon Barrett did issue a March 2018 ruling preventing him from practicing law on tribal lands unless specifically permitted by a court order, the Cherokee Supreme Court later vacated Barrett’s order.
Tribal Council commits $324 million for sports-related brand, resort projects
During Annual Council Oct. 24, Tribal Council approved “Project Coda,” a $324 million effort to control “a brand recognized worldwide” and invest in multiple resorts to be developed across the country.
Tribal Council approves anti-panhandling law
In a unanimous vote Monday, Oct. 17, the Cherokee Tribal Council passed an ordinance that prohibits begging and panhandling in a variety of locations and situations on the Qualla Boundary.
Crowe announces run for Cherokee chief
Bo Crowe, a fifth-term Tribal Council member representing Wolfetown and Big Y, has announced his intention to challenge Principal Chief Richard Sneed’s 2023 re-election bid.
