March News Updates

3/1/2021

Wolf Clan Assists Homeless Veterans

At the March 13, 2021 meeting, the Wolf Clan continued its support of our veterans by donating needed items to Three Hots and A Cot. This donation continues the Wolf Clan's ongoing backing of this organization.

Three Hots and A Cot was formed by veterans to assist the homeless military veterans' transition from life on the streets into a self-sustained lifestyle. Assistance provided includes temporary housing, meals, counseling, medical, dental, and job placement services. To Learn more about Three Hots and A Cot, please visit its website at: www.cotsforvets.org. Should you wish to join the Wolf Clan in helping this organization, you may view a list of current need at: www.cotsforvets.org/needs-list.

Spotlight on Deer Clan Members

Back on March 7, Pam K., Barbara and Dylan M., represented our Tribe at the Seventh day Adventist Church in a celebration for International Day. Pam brought a nice display of Echota Cherokee items and tools. She explained how they were used. Barbara made a traditional Cherokee meal which she shared. This consisted of a stew made with the vegetables known as our Three Sisters, corn, beans and squash. They served this along with frybread and honey water. There was a special treat of grape dumplings for dessert. All enjoyed the presentations and the meal. We hope to have more opportunities to do this kind of interacting with the public. Many thanks to Pam, Barbara and Dylan.

Monthly Work Days on the Tribal Land

Every first Saturday of each month is the tribal land clean up. Please come if you can. Bring your work gloves and any tools you may need. The walking trails need to be cleaned up, along with all of the grounds. The bath house/restroom building needs cleaning each month.

This is a great opportunity for those seeking a scholarship. This counts towards volunteer hours.

We hope to see you soon!!!

Condolences to Our Tribal Families

Condolences to the Vann Family
We sadly report of the passing of Echota Citizen Robert L. Vann, Sr. He passed on March 12th at the age of 82. Everyone called him Bob. He was the Chief of the "Deer Clan West" and worked tirelessly with the clan for many years. Bob was an active citizen and so is his family. He was a Navy Veteran. He will be truly missed.

Condolences to the Rucker Family
It is with much sadness that we announce another Tribal Citizen has gone to walk among the stars. DeWayne Rucker of Green Cove Springs, Florida left us on March 8. He lived most of his life in Alabama and the last 28 in Florida. He worked for LNL Railroad and CSX Railroad.

His wife, Rebecca made the Cherokee Masks located in the Tribal Museum and he made the display case that contain them. Both were active in the Tribe and did much for the Tribe even after moving to Florida. he will be missed.

Paint Clan Announcement

By: Harry Buddha Palm

Osiyo,
The next Paint Clan meeting will be March 20, 2021 at 12:00 noon at the Historic Train Depot in Guntersville, Alabama. The March meeting will be our Plant and Seed Swap meeting, which in previous years was in April. If you haven’t already, today is a good time to get those fast germinating native or heirloom seeds in some soil for next weekend. I will be bringing egg gourd seedlings that were given to me at a previous Echota Cherokee seed swap. I will also dig up some elderberry plants to bring. Elderberry harvesting for syrup has provided my family with good health throughout the winter months. So I hope you will do the same for next year.

There is no mailing address to the museum, but it is very easy to find. It is located at the corner of Blount Ave and Greenwood St about a mile South of the big river bridge in Guntersville, and also located just behind Ross Graden Lumber that is on Blount Ave. There is a Historic Train Depot sign on Blount Ave and just follow it a couple hundred feet to the end of the road where the rail road tracks and Depot are located.

Wado,
Chief Reginald H.

Youth Spotlight

We would like to congratulate one of our youth, Aubrey L., age 12 for becoming a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She is an Echota Citizen living in Orlando, Florida. Her parents are Rob and Tracey who are Echota as well. Her grandparents Rita & Almon M. of Athens are all members of the Deer Clan.

Pow Wow Committee Meeting

This Saturday, March 6th, is the second Pow Wow committee meeting and it starts at 10 A.M. The meeting will be held at the tribal grounds. I would love to see all the reps. from each Clan present. I'm hoping this year is going to be the one where all the Clan reps. will take part in. We've had very successful events in the past so I want to take this year's to the next level. We can do it because I believe in our Tribe.

Chief Dennis, Event Coordinator

Helping to Make a Difference

Our tribal citizen, Benn M. and his wife Alfreda do many things for their community and surrounding communities. They have been running a food distribution program in California for years. In her spare time, Alfreda knits baby booties and Benn distributes them. At the moment, they have donated several boxes of these precious little booties to the Tribe to be sold in the tribal gift shop. They have also donated hundreds of booties to hospitals. If you are interested in purchasing a pair, they are $6 a pair. You can find them at our gift store on the tribal grounds.

Clan News

The Deer Clan met at the tribal complex to put together socks to be delivered to the Tut Fanning Veterans Home. This annual tradition was started by the late Lucky Bates many years ago. The clan wishes to continue this tradition and the program will be under the direction of Wayne S. and Carl B.

The Paint Clan will be meeting March 20, at 12 noon at the Historic Train Depot. It will be their Plant and Seed Swap meeting.

The Wolf Clan has appointed two members of the Clan to serve on the Festival/Powwow Committee. This will be Barry P. and Eddie B. who will volunteer. They also had a guest speaker for Shelby County, Deputy Sheriff Robert. The Wolf Clan presented the Deputy with a donation that was spear headed by Ron H. The Clan donated tarps, tape measures and scissors. These are items that are needed in every car in the department. The Wolf Clan's next meeting will be the second Saturday in March. Lunch will be at 12 noon with the meeting to follow.

Introducing Miss Indian Alabama

Our tribal family would like to introduce our own, Miss Indian Alabama, Reagan Bonner. She was crowned "Miss Indian Alabama" in November and will serve until November of 2021. We are very proud of her. She is 20 years old and is a Sophomore at the University of South Alabama as a Mechanical Engineering student. Megan says, " I am so thrilled to hold the title of Miss Indian Alabama for the 2021 year because of the unlimited opportunities that await me, to embrace my culture and dive into it more than I ever have before...it is truly a blessing."

We look forward to seeing the wonderful things you will accomplish with this unique opportunity.

Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarships

The site is now open to accepting scholarship applications. Here is a link to scholarships for Native American students. Make sure to watch the 3 minute video for instructions for applying. Also review the FAQ's page. It will answer questions you may have. These scholarships are open to federal and state recognized tribes.
https://www.indian-affairs.org/scholarships.html

To see more scholarship opportunities, visit our scholarship page on this website.

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