Cherokee Choices

A chronic disease prevention program for American Indians, click here for an in-depth article published in Preventing Chronic Disease (CDC).

Remember the Removal Ride

Selected riders retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears on a bicycle 950 miles. The project includes 6 months of training, history education, Cherokee Syllabary classes and genealogy classes leading up to the ride. The EBCI partners with the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma for the ride and it occurs in June each year. For more info, contact Robin.

Stress & Healing Arts Retreat

A 2 day retreat focusing on stress reduction and healing from grief and trauma. Sessions include historical grief & trauma, Cherokee culture, healing touch, massage, arts & crafts, tai chi, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy & life coaching. Free and open to everyone. Limited space is available, you must apply (18 years and older -15-17 years with an adult in attendance). This year’s retreat will be held March 19-20, 2024. Find the application here.

Cherokee Choices Summer Camp

Outdoor-based summer camps promoting wellness for youth 9-11 years of age among the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. There will be a choice of Yoga or cultural camp that run through June and July. Participants must apply. Acceptance is based on need and commitment to the camp. Activities include Cherokee culture and language, nutrition & wellness lessons, outdoor activities such as zip lining, whitewater rafting, horseback riding; skill building such as Pottery, Kid’s Smoothie Bar; & a Kid’s Club: Golf, Yoga/Arts & Crafts, Book Clumb, BFS (Bigger Faster Stronger). Applications will be available in Spring. Camp takes place June & July.

In Schools

Cherokee Choices staff work with students on self esteem, cultural pride, conflict resolution, emotional well-being and health knowledge. Programs include the Healthy Halloween Fair, Peaceful Warriors afterschool program, and Power Princess afterschool program. Contact Yolanda or Keahana for more info.

Mother’s Day 5K Walk/Run

Held at Kituwah Mound the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Contact Yolanda for more info.

Turkey Strut 5K

Held at Kituwah Mound the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Contact Yolanda for more info.

Cherokee Kitchens and Osda Videos

Healthy cooking show promoting healthy meals & traditional Cherokee Foods. Watch on Cherokee Choices Youtube. Episodes include learning how to make Traditional Teas (YouTube video), Bean Bread (YouTube video), and Quick and Easy Meals & many more!

At work

Health professionals​ help tribal employees participate in activities at their work sites that are designed to help them reduce stress, eat healthier foods and increase their physical activity levels. Contact Tori for more info.

Resources for Resilience

Learn about stress and trauma and how they affect the brain and body. Learn new tools to
help provide relief when every day stressors arise. 2-day Wellness Workshop offered
quarterly. Next Class: November 19 and 20, 2024 9:00am-4:30pm. To sign up or for more
info contact Shelby at shelpark@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6783

EBCI Community Health Screenings

Held annually in January & August. Includes Hemoglobin A1C tests for those at high risk for
type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, body fat, and body mass index (BMI) checks. Learn about
upcoming Cherokee Choices programming and ways to decrease your risk of chronic
disease such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. To sign up or for more info contact
Robin @ robibail@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6785

Diabetes Prevention &/or Management

What Can I Eat?” program is a 5-lesson diabetes education program including a healthy
meal and incentive for participation. Cherokee Strong, 10-16 week version of the National
Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), focusing on nutrition, physical activity, stress
management, and goal setting. A healthy meal and incentive are provided. To sign up or for
more info contact April at apriinni@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6201.

Move and Meal Prep

Join us for a super fun music-based cardio workout and a free healthy meal prep demo with
lunch. We’ll rock out and show you some great easy meal prep tips. To sign up or for more
info contact April at apriinni@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6201.

Women’s Strength

Workouts for all fitness levels from beginners to advanced. We’ll use light/medium weights
and kettle bells as well as some body weight only workouts. To sign up or for more info
contact Shelby shelpark@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6786.

Cherokee Yoga

Yoga for everyone- Yoga for all levels with a slow flow, stretching, and relaxation.
Yoga/Pilates Fusion- A blend of yoga and pilates with focus on core strength with yoga
stretching and breathwork.
Yoga Therapeutics- Gentle yoga with a focus to decrease and prevent pain in the body,
topics include Neck and Shoulders, Back Care, and Healthy Knees and Hips. To sign up or
for more info contact Robin @ robibail@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6785

Lifestyle and Behavioral Coaching

Personalized coaching sessions to help individuals achieve their personal and professional
goals, fostering healthier habits and positive behavioral changes. To sign up or for more info
contact Keahana at keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov or 828-359-6193

Women’s Boxing Class

A dynamic and empowering boxing class tailored for women of all fitness levels, focusing
on strength, technique, and confidence. To sign up or for more info contact Keahana at
keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov or 828-359-6193

Girls’ Afterschool Boxing Class

An engaging afterschool program for girls, promoting physical fitness, self-discipline, self –
esteem, confidence and teamwork through the art of boxing. To sign up or for more info
contact Keahana at keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov or 828-359-6193

Women’s Virtual Support Group

A supportive online group where women can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual
support, creating a safe and nurturing environment. To sign up or for more info contact
Keahana at keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov or 828-359-6193

POUND Fitness

Get your cardio and strength training all in one! For all fitness levels. Use a set of
drumsticks (ripstix) to workout to each song. You’ll be having too much fun to realize you’re
working out! To sign up or for more info contact April at apriinni@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6201

Beginner Pilates

Pilates is a type of exercise that helps improve strength, stability, and flexibility. This is a
beginner level class but all levels welcome! To sign up or for more info contact April at
apriinni@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6201.

Healthy Cooking Demos

Learn how to cook healthy and make it taste good! Topics include Healthy Holidays,
Cookies & Cocoa, Heart Health & Cooking for Diabetes. To sign up or for more info contact
April @ apriinni@ebci-nsn.gov or 359-6201.

Healing Touch

Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. It is safe for all ages and works in
harmony with standard medical care. This non-invasive technique is meant to restore
balance and harmony in the energy system. Available Tuesdays and Thursdays by
appointment only- EBCI enrolled members & Tribal Workforce ONLY. Contact Nancy for
more Info and Appointments at (828)-688-0530

Soup for the Soul Book Club

Engage in positive, thought-provoking dialog, exploring our imaginations while coping with
life stresses. Meet once per month. To sign up or for more info contact Keahana at
keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov or 828-359-6193