EasternBandofCherokeeIndians

Jarrett Wildcatt performs on flute during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Junaluska Memorial and Burial Site in Robbinsvillle on Nov. 16. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Jarrett Wildcatt performs on flute during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Junaluska Memorial and Burial Site in Robbinsvillle on Nov. 16. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Paying homage to a warrior

Randy Foster
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Robbinsville – Dozens gathered on a chilly day for the mostly-annual, wreath-laying ceremony for Junaluska, a Cherokee leader whose gravesite and memorial overlook downtown Robbinsville. Junaluska is arguably Graham County’s most famous historical leader.
Duane Wilkey looks at the silt-filled raceway at his trout farm on Hunting Boy Branch on Aug. 25. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Duane Wilkey looks at the silt-filled raceway at his trout farm on Hunting Boy Branch on Aug. 25. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Out of business

Randy Foster
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Snowbird – For more than 30 years, Duane and Linda Wilkey operated a trout farm in western Graham County on Hunting Boy Branch, a stream that feeds into Little Snowbird Creek. In June 2017, they noticed the creek was unusually muddy following a light rain. The problem grew worse.
Then-Cherokee Indian Police Chief Josh Taylor delivers comments to an audience during the dedication of the Jacob Cornsilk Community Complex on June 3. Taylor announced his resignation to spend more time with family on June 10, effective Monday. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Then-Cherokee Indian Police Chief Josh Taylor delivers comments to an audience during the dedication of the Jacob Cornsilk Community Complex on June 3. Taylor announced his resignation to spend more time with family on June 10, effective Monday. Photo by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Cherokee Indian police chief resigns, replacement named

Randy Foster
Thursday, June 30, 2022
Cherokee – Cherokee Indian Police Department Chief of Police Josh Taylor stepped down on Monday, just 11 months after taking the job. Captain of Corrections Carla Neadeau was named interim police chief. Neadeau has been with the department since 2009 and is the first woman to lead the department.

Cherokee heritage group receives historic preservation grant

Randy Foster
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Robbinsville – The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the award of $2.5 million in grants to 80 organizations across 39 states, including a Franklin-based group seeking to preserve and promote Cherokee history in western North Carolina – including Graham County.
xFlanked by members of the tribal council – as well as his family – Todd Odom (center, second from right on front row) was inducted as an honorary member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on April 7. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

xFlanked by members of the tribal council – as well as his family – Todd Odom (center, second from right on front row) was inducted as an honorary member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on April 7. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

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Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Cherokee – Despite all the adversities – and later, achievements – in the life of Todd Odom, the recognition he was given on April 7 might just rank near the top of the list.

Brown, Wachacha retain tribal council seats

Charlie Benton
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Snowbird – The Snowbird/Cherokee County delegation on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council will remain the same for another term, following the tribal election held Thursday, Sept. 2.  Each of the six communities elects two representatives to the council.
A mural in downtown Robbinsville – depicting matriarchs of the Snowbird Community – was dedicated in a ceremony Saturday. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

A mural in downtown Robbinsville – depicting matriarchs of the Snowbird Community – was dedicated in a ceremony Saturday. Photos by Charlie Benton/news@grahamstar.com

Mural honoring Snowbird women dedicated

Charlie Benton
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Robbinsville – Graham County’s first inhabitants were honored Saturday, with the dedication of a downtown Robbinsville mural recognizing matriarchs of the Snowbird community. The mural includes several Snowbird Cherokee women, honoring them for their contributions to the community.

Cherokee language program could return

Charlie Benton
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Robbinsville – “Get ‘em young” is a mantra often used to describe instilling positive values into children at a young age. With that sentiment in mind, Graham County students might once again have access to learning the Cherokee language at Robbinsville Elementary School.

Brett Jones

News Staff
Friday, June 11, 2021
Jaymz Brett Jones, 26 of Murphy, N.C., whose Cherokee name is “Ganuteyo” (meaning Rope Twister) passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021, at his residence. Brett was the son of Carrie Smith of Murphy, N.C. and Bud and Tracy Jones of Robbinsville, N.C.