September is National Literacy Month and serves as a reminder that that literacy is an important foundation to overall health and well-being. Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority’s (CIHA) Mission is to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and early literacy is one of the simplest, most powerful ways families can support lifelong wellness.
From the first months of life, a child’s brain builds the pathways that support language, attention, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Reading, talking, singing, and storytelling light up those pathways. That early stimulation shows up later as better school readiness, more confident communication with doctors and teachers, and stronger decision-making about health.
With support from CIHA’s Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC), CIHA’s Pediatric waiting room at the Emergency Room is stocked with cultural children’s books for families to read together while they wait to be seen. The books were provided by the Qualla Boundary Library and are just one way that we work to promote early literacy for our community.
EBCI Tribal Option’s StoryWalk initiative is another way CIHA is promoting the simple idea that when families walk together and read together, our kids thrive. StoryWalks turn a trail into a book—and a book into an adventure—so everyone gets to move, learn, and laugh side-by-side and most importantly they get to do it together as a family. The first StoryWalk was planted in 2024 at the Oconaluftee Island Park and features the book “My Cherokee Culture” written by students at Cherokee Central Schools. Just in time for National Literacy Month this, year, EBCI Tribal Option unveiled their 2nd StoryWalk located at the new Whitewater Landing Park featuring the book “The Big Journey of Littlefish” written by Jeffrey McCoy and illustrated by Sean Ross. These StoryWalks aligns perfectly with Tribal Option’s “Eat Well, Play Well, Stay Well” initiative aiming to build healthy habits through movement, connection, and curiosity. The 3rd StoryWalk will be unveiled this Fall at CIHA’s new Cherokee County Clinic site and will feature the book “The Colored Rabbits” written by J.C. Wachacha.
Story is central to Cherokee life. Our history, values, and teachings move through stories—spoken, written, and shared across generations. When families choose books and stories that reflect Cherokee culture and language, children see themselves on the page and learn that their identity belongs in every learning space. That sense of belonging builds confidence, curiosity, and resilience.
CIHA’s pediatric teams participate in the “Reach Out and Read” program which provides culturally relevant books for CIHA’s pediatric teams to provide their littlest patients to take home with them after a visit. This program gets books into the hands of children and hopefully, makes visiting the doctor a little less scary.
Early literacy strengthens the bond between children and their caregivers. Sharing stories lowers stress, creates predictable routines, and gives children words for their feelings—a protective factor for mental health. As children grow, strong reading skills become strong health literacy skills: understanding a prescription label, following a treatment plan, spotting reliable information, and asking good questions at a medical visit.
Small, daily choices around early literacy are proven to make a big difference in the overall wellness of children. Here are some helpful tips to how to incorporate reading at home:
• Read aloud every day. Even 10–20 minutes creates a habit. Babies benefit from rhythm and voice; toddlers and preschoolers benefit from conversation and repetition.
• Talk about the pictures. Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think will happen next?” Pause and let your child lead.
• Mix in Cherokee culture and language. Choose books by Cherokee authors and illustrators when you can. Invite grandparents and Elders to share traditional stories.
• Keep books within reach. A few baskets around the home, a library bag by the door, or a favorite book in the car turn waiting time into reading time.
• Read life, not just books. Recipes, signs on a trail, seed packets for the garden, and directions on a board game all count.
• Make movement part of reading. Walk and read together at community StoryWalks or pair a short family walk with a short story at home.
• Balance screen time. Interactive reading builds attention and language in ways passive watching can’t.
Our pediatric, family medicine, and behavioral health teams are happy to share age-by-age tips, book ideas, and milestones during well-child visits, prenatal care, and parenting classes. If reading feels hard—because of time, stress, or learning differences—tell your care team. They can help you find practical strategies that fit your family’s schedule, attention spans, and interests.
Not sure where to start? Try one of these tips today:
• Get or renew a library card and pick one book for each family member.
• Choose one “anchor time” for reading—after dinner, before bed, or during afternoon rest.
• Ask your child’s teacher or your CIHA provider for two book recommendations that match your child’s interests.
• Swap a short video for a short story twice a week.
• Share one Cherokee story with a younger relative, or ask an Elder to share one with you.
Early literacy is not extra—it’s essential. It builds the language, confidence, and critical thinking children need to thrive in school and in health. This September, and all year long, CIHA encourages families to read, talk, sing, and tell stories every day. If you’re looking for guidance or resources, bring your questions to your next visit. We’re here to support you and your child’s next chapter.