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 Monica.

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 23rd and March 24th 2023. Find the application here.

Cherokee Choices Summer Camp

Outdoor-based summer camps promoting wellness for youth 8-12 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 Leader in Me, Pottery, Kid’s Smoothie Bar; & a Kid’s Club: Golf, Yoga/Arts & Crafts, Gardening/Kids in Kitchen, BFS (Bigger Faster Stronger). Applications will be available in Spring 2023.

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

Monthly healthy cooking show promoting healthy meals & traditional Cherokee Foods. Airs on Channel 28 and is shared on EBCI Communications & Cherokee Choices Facebook page. 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.

Gloves on Fire

Boxing classes for women offer a total-body workout including cardiovascular conditioning by incorporating boxing movements that focus on speed, intensity and agility. These boxing moves will engage your arms, core and legs, strengthening your whole body and improving your coordination. Burn More Calories: Boxing engages all your muscle groups and involves bursts of high-intensity exercises- so you can burn more calories. Strengthen Your Body: While also getting your heart rate up, punching with intention, as though you are hitting a target, will engage your muscles – strengthening your arms, back and core. Improve Your Coordination: Learn to move your hands and feet in explosive, powerful motions while staying balanced, engaging your core and improving your overall coordination. Relieve Your Stress: Much like a ‘runner’s high’, boxing can produce a rush of feel-good endorphins and relieve muscle tension – so you can punch away your daily stress. Protein Smoothie after each class. FREE Smoothie Cup if you attend 6 consecutive classes. FREE T-shirt if you attend 12 consecutive classes. Contact Keahana Lambert 828-359-6193  keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov

Art of Selfcare

Virtual Support group focusing on personal strengths, finding joy, and managing stress. Contact Keahana for more info.

Soup for the Soul Book Club

Create a new social network through the love of reading! Engage in positive, though-provoking dialog, explore your imagination while coping with life stresses.. Join us! (Meal provided each meeting) Contact Keahana Lambert 828-359-6193  keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov

Healthy Without the Hard

Life Coaching with a focus on  goal setting and behavior modification. 45 minute, 5 week individual sessions. Contact Keahana Lambert  828-359-6193  keahlamb@ebci-nsn.gov

Resources for Resilience

A team of community members dedicated to helping others understand themselves, their emotions, and ways to release energy. Reconnect for Resilience™ trainings offer community members a set of easy-to-use tools to stay well in the face of adversity, contact Shelby, Keahana or Robin for more information. Intro presentations of 1 to 4 hours are available by request. Two-day trainings are offered regularly. Scheduled thus far are February 27 & 28 and April 19 & 20.

February 2023 Programming