Kuwohi Connection Days
The Center for Native Health (CNH) was honored to host the 2025 Kuwohi Connection Days for fifth graders from surrounding schools, including Cherokee Central Schools, New Kituwah Academy, and Smoky Mountain Elementary. This event was made possible through collaboration with our valued partners: National Park Service, EBCI Community Clubs and Departments, Museum of the Cherokee People, The Wilderness Society, NC Cooperative Extension, Friends of the Smokies, and the EBCI Tribal Council.
CNH’s mission is to support the balanced well-being of communities through the preservation and respectful application of Native knowledge to empower the people, land, and culture. Kuwohi Connection Days embodied this mission, offering students, volunteers, and community members an experience that demonstrated healing from the land in action.
The event began on September 9th with educational sessions where students explored the natural and cultural significance of Kuwohi, followed by a hike to the observation tower to experience the mountain’s breathtaking views. A highlight of the event was the Sunrise Celebration on September 16th, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the mountain’s original Cherokee name restoration. EBCI elders from Tsali Manor joined the National Park Service for a ride to the top of the observation tower, taking in the mountain’s medicine and spectacular vistas.
CNH extends a heartfelt thank you to all volunteers and partner organizations whose contributions made the event possible.
