Former Tribal Council candidate seeks compensation for 2017 election outcome

A former Tribal Council candidate is seeking $800,000 from the tribe in compensation for “physical, mental and financial despair” allegedly inflicted on her and her family in the aftermath of the 2017 election. 

Hicks proposes loan to fund cannabis enterprise

In one of the first pieces of legislation of his new term, on Monday, Oct. 9, Principal Chief Michell Hicks presented Tribal Council with a resolution that would provide Qualla Enterprises an additional $19 million in funding — under certain conditions.

Ordinance expanding per capita payments withdrawn for further discussion

Debate about how to spend revenues from the tribe’s growing portfolio of out-of-state gambling businesses will continue into the next term after Tribal Council voted to withdraw a paired resolution and ordinance addressing the issue Sept. 25. 

Hicks wins fourth term as Cherokee chief

Cherokee looked back for its future in today’s General Election, with an overwhelming majority of voters electing to oust incumbent Principal Chief Richard Sneed and bring former Chief Michell Hicks back for a fourth term. On Tribal Council, voters brought change by replacing four incumbents with candidates who have previously served multiple terms on Council.

A voter guide for Wolfetown Tribal Council

This year’s race for Wolfetown/Big Y Tribal Council is an unusual one, with the two incumbents having held their seats for less than a year following a pair of special elections in December and March.

A voter guide for Snowbird/Cherokee County Tribal Council

Only three candidates are running for the two Tribal Council seats representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ farthest-flung township, which includes tribal members living in Cherokee County and the Snowbird area of Graham County.

A voter guide for Big Cove Tribal Council

During the General Election Thursday, Sept. 7, Big Cove voters will weigh in on who they want to see represent them on Tribal Council for the first time this year.

Council axes constitution, term limit referenda Convention to continue working on document

After voting unanimously  in April to put a proposed constitution on the ballot for approval this year, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council voted 11-1 Thursday, July 13, to indefinitely postpone the planned referendum. 

Tribal Council approves referendum for cannabis vote

After a narrow passage in Tribal Council, the September ballot is expected to ask Cherokee voters whether they support legalizing cannabis use for adults 21 and older.

A voter guide for Painttown Tribal Council

Cherokee’s June 1 Primary Election whittled the field of candidates for Painttown Tribal Council down to four, and they will face off during the General Election Thursday, Sept. 7. 

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