Department of Education
Keeping a proud nation strong through learning and development
EBCI Department of Education
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Department of Education provides the vision, tools, staff, and oversight necessary to keep a proud nation strong through the power of learning and development. The department is subdivided into many areas based on task and responsibility. We offer a variety of programming and services for Tribal members, from pre-K childcare to participants in the Senior Games.
To better improve the quality of services offered, the Department of Education has completed the following projects:
- Updated guidelines for Higher Education to provide more options for students.
- Upgrades at the Fitness Complex to improve pool usage and temperature control, as well as new doors to provide better security and adherence to age restrictions, in order to provide a safer environment for our patrons.
- New leadership at Recreation and a renewed focus on providing better services to our community.
- Approved funding for a new Youth Center.
- Approval by the North Carolina Legislature that will provide a quicker path to certifying language teachers for New Kituwah.
- A complete renovation of the Qualla Library and expanded programming to upgrade the services we offer.
- The Richard (Yogi) Crowe Scholarship Fund
Higher Education & Training
Mission Statement
To provide funding for post-secondary degrees and job training opportunities for members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Workforce Initiative Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Native Employment Works Program (NEWP) are grant-funded programs that assist youth and adults with on-the-job training and skills needed to join the workforce.
Summary of services
The Higher Education Program assists EBCI, enrolled members with the following:
- Tuition (after financial aid has been applied)
- Housing/Meals (on and off-campus, see the funding policy for details)
- Supplemental Funds
- Computer Funds
- Graduation Bonus
- Books/Materials
- GED Assistance
Manager Name
Brittany Beck
Main Phone
828-359-6650
You can also find us on Facebook:
Website
https://ebcihighered.com
New Kituwah Academy
Mission
The Kituwah Academy provides a nurturing learning environment in a language immersion setting where students, staff, families, and the community work in partnership to rekindle our language and to instill pride in being “Kituwah First.”
As the cultural and Cherokee language campus for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, New Kituwah Academy Immersion Program will teach and guide our youth to completely embrace our near extinct Cherokee language and the traditional ways of our ancestors, which will instill a deeper sense of pride and renewed sense of determination to be successful. Our students will have the knowledge to translate the traditional skills and Cherokee lifeways that have helped the Tribe persevere through many periods of hardship over the centuries. These skills will foster stronger individuals, a stronger sense of community, and an embracement of modern ways, without giving up Tribal sovereignty or tradition.
The preservation of our heritage language and traditions strengthens the seven distinct Cherokee communities. Through the relationships, education, and mentoring between our elders and teachers, our students will exemplify the purest form of leadership. They will be “Kituwah First” leaders who are invested in the community and model enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, guiding the Tribe into the future.
We Believe
- “Kituwah First” is the primary focus of the Kituwah Academy. Cherokee language, culture, traditions, and history are the foundations of the school and its instructional programs.
- The development of a second language enhances all areas of our students’ academic development. Challenging educational experiences are provided in order to maximize brain development.
- Instruction is student-centered, provided in a loving, nurturing environment. Learning occurs best when it is hands-on, experiential, and richly contextual.
- The tradition of helping those who need help, Gadugi, will inspire a sense of community and instill cultural pride in our students.
- Parents and families have the first responsibility in education. Strong parental commitment is essential in reaching our vision of producing fluent speakers.
- The fluent speaking community is the heart and soul of AniKituwagi. Without the language, we cease to exist at Kituwah.
Program Area of Responsibility
- Early Childhood Immersion (one year old through Pre-Kindergarten)
- Elementary Immersion (Kituwah Academy, Kindergarten to Sixth Grade)
- Adult Immersion (Adult language learners, teacher feeder program)
- Immersion education serves: students from one year old through sixth grade, parents, teachers, staff, and interns.
Click here to visit the Kituwah Preservation and Education website.
Cherokee Recreation
Our mission is to strengthen GaDuGi through recreation, and to provide and maintain continuous programs that promote a healthy lifestyle year-round.
Services:
Senior
- Senior Games Complex
- Practice Facilities at Birdtown
- Practice at Harrah’s Entertainment Complex
- 2019 Leagues for Competitive Practice
Adult League Programs
- 3-on-3 Lunchtime
- Spring/Fall Basketball Leagues
- Softball Tournaments
- Volleyball
- Dodgeball
Children’s Programs
- Summer Day Camp
- After-School Camps
- Lacrosse Camp
- Soccer Camp
- Coming in 2019: Baseball/Softball and Soccer Seasons
- Football
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Wrestling through 3D Party
Exceptional Community Members 2019 Initiative
- 2019 Special Olympics
- 2019 Inclusive Playgrounds
Qualla Boundary Public Library
PO Box 1498 – Cherokee, NC 28719
Phone: 828-359-6725
Adam Lambert, Manager
The Qualla Boundary Public Library provides the enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, residents of the Qualla Boundary and the surrounding Swain and Jackson Counties with excellent service and convenient access to resources for their educational, informational, and recreational needs.
Monday: 7:45 a.m. -5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:45 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Closed for all tribal holidays.)
Handicapped & Elderly Living Program “H.E.L.P.”
145 Tsali Manor St. – Cherokee, NC 28719
The Handicapped and Elderly Living Program “H.E.L.P.” provides home repair services to Senior citizens (59 ½ and older) who are enrolled members of the EBCI. Enrolled members who are 59 ½ or younger with a medical and/or mental disability may also apply for assistance with home repairs. Applicants under 59.5 years of age are required to provide a copy of their Social Security Disability Statement.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (daily)
(Closed for all tribal holidays.)
An On-Call Emergency Crew is available after 4:30pm for water, heat/AC, and electrical issues ONLY – please call Cherokee Dispatch at 497-4131 with your name, phone number, physical address, assistance needed and request them to contact the HELP Program.
Contact
- Phone: 828-359-6925
Jeremy Hyatt, Manager - Stephanie Welch, Office Coordinator: 359-6638 or 788-3776
All applications, backup documentation, etc. may be emailed to swelch@ebci-nsn.gov - Harold Smith, HELP Supervisor: 359-6845
HELP Applications
- HELP Home Repair
- HELP Client Intake Form
- HELP Mowing Application (The required doctor’s note may be faxed to 828-497-3519)
- HELP Garden Plowing Application
Senior Citizens Program
145 Tsali Manor St. – Cherokee, NC 28719
To maintain our program to a level highly visible in our community where older persons and persons with disabilities can receive the assistance they need in order to live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Click here to view the Senior Citizens Program Information Packet.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (daily)
(Closed for all tribal holidays.)
Phone: 828-359-6860
Monica Wildcatt, Manager
Cherokee Youth Center
1570 Acquoni Rd. – Cherokee, NC 28719
Mission Statement:
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
Click here to view the 2021 Cherokee Youth Center Parent Handbook.
Phone: 828-359-8113 CYC
Fax: 828-497-4699
Web: www.cherokeeyouthcenter.com
Facebook: Cherokee Youth Center BGCA
Matthew Hollifield, Manager
Hinigoliya (Early Literacy Reading Initiative)
HAWA – let me introduce you to our mascot.
His name is Awesome Possum (Usgwanigit Utsesdi) because he’s awesome and mysterious and amazing. Just like reading!
