This November, as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) continues to honor the spirit of our community—those who built, cared, and sacrificed so that future generations could live healthier, stronger lives.
This year’s observance carries an even deeper meaning as we continue the 10th anniversary celebration of our hospital facility, which first opened its doors in 2015. Over the last decade, our campus has become a symbol of what can happen when culture, community, and compassionate care come together. But our story didn’t begin here.
The history of healthcare for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is one of resilience, innovation, and unity. From early tribal healers who relied on sacred plants and ceremony, to the establishment of small clinics and government-run facilities, to the modern, tribally managed health system we know today, each step forward has been shaped by the vision and determination of our people.
Throughout this month, CIHA will take time to reflect on that journey:
- The places that have housed our healing, each one a chapter in our growth.
- The people who dedicated their lives to caring for others, our doctors, nurses, traditional healers, administrators, and community advocates.
- The stories that connect the past to the present, reminding us that healthcare, for the Cherokee people, has always been about more than medicine. It’s about balance, connection, and the wellbeing of the whole person.
As we look back, we also look ahead to the next generation of Cherokee healthcare professionals, to new innovations in medicine and community wellness, and to the continued blending of traditional knowledge and modern science.
This Native American Heritage Month, we invite the community to join us in celebrating the people and places that have shaped our journey to honor the past while continuing our mission of bringing “A New Generation of Care” to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.