Provides culturally grounded, hands-on learning experiences that inspire environmental curiosity, leadership, and stewardship. By integrating Indigenous knowledge systems with modern conservation science, CNH bridges these gaps, empowering youth to become confident, capable leaders who can protect and restore their homelands. The program also supports food sovereignty and climate preparedness, teaching youth how sustainable practices can strengthen community health and resilience.

The Center for Native Health (CNH) is launching a community-based climate resilience project to address the growing risks of wildfires, extreme heat, and flooding facing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

With support from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Wild East Action Fund (WEAF), the project will blend Cherokee Ecological Knowledge (CEK) with climate science to strengthen local preparedness. Scheduled to begin in early 2026, CNH will partner with regional land trusts to gather community input on cultural burns, air and water quality, and flood mitigation.

The project will lead to a pilot initiative empowering EBCI families and youth to respond to climate threats, uphold Cherokee cultural traditions, and support long-term stewardship of the Appalachian Trail landscape.

Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this pilot project promotes equitable water and land stewardship on the Qualla Boundary by centering Traditional Indigenous Knowledge Systems (TKS), including Cherokee Ecological Knowledge (CEK).

In collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) community and key landholders, the project will pilot the use of traditional knowledge in policy advocacy and stewardship practices. By braiding Indigenous knowledge with modern environmental science, the project aims to model a sustainable and equitable land and water management approach that can guide other communities in the future.

The Center for Native Health (CNH) is excited to serve as the community host for Kuwohi Connection Days starting in 2025. Designed for students from surrounding schools, this event is made possible through close collaboration with key local partners.

MedCaT is an academic-community partnership between the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Center for Native Health, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Mountain Area Health Education Center that creates a structured pipeline to engage Appalachian Rural and American Indian (AI) high school students with multiple resources that support the pursuit of health and biomedical science careers. MedCaT students, also participate in a number of to integrate TEK into their healthcare career preparations, including a Medicine Walk.

The Center for Native Health’s Education & Training Program area has partnered with Western North Caroling School of Nursing to create the MedCaT Mentorship Program. MedCaT Alumni are eligible to participate in this education and professional development program as a part of their education at WCU. Mentors receive training in understanding American Indian historical, political, and social inequities in order to better guide their mentees, as well as guiding their own future careers in health care. MedCaT Mentors also work with current MedCaT students to create shared educational opportunities and community networking at every level of training and education for all parties. Those interested in participating should apply below.

Free and open to the public, this event is led by Executive Board member Onita Bush. Carrying a wealth of traditional knowledge, Onita provides culture-based care for her remote rural community. Onita’s knowledge of Native plants for medicinal purposes and nutrition has made her an invaluable resource in her community.