“We are still here”: Western Carolina University remains a Cherokee place

Story co-written with Sarah Pruitt  November is Native American Heritage Month, but it’s not just a heritage for the Cherokee people of Western North Carolina. It’s a living, vibrant culture.   There are 547 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Native Americans were not automatically afforded U.S. citizenship until 1924. November was not declared […]

The Silent Epidemic: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

As we’ve moved into the 21st century, the harsh realities faced by indigenous communities covered up for generations are brought to light, and the fight for indigenous rights has grown, but not nearly enough. Not yet. In honor of November being Native American Heritage month, WCU offered various events on campus to help educate while […]

WCU flag lowered in honor of Cherokee elder and “Beloved Man” Jerry Wolfe’s passing

In memory of Cherokee elder Jeremiah “Jerry” Wolfe, who passed away on Monday, March 12, the Western Carolina University flag was lowered to half-staff on March 16. Wolfe was a champion of Cherokee culture, history and language who would give a story on some aspect of his personal experiences, including his experience in WWII and […]