Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute

06/02/2026

Alexis Smith, Jones Bowman Leadership Award Fellow, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. She majored in both Operations and Supply Chain, and Management-Entrepreneurship.

Alexis is continuing her education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in pursuit of a master’s degree.

Congratulations Lexi!!!

06/01/2026

C*C members spent time learning how to ask about and express emotions in the Cherokee language. Afterwards, they learned about personal wellness strategies including square breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, grounding, body scan, and seated stretches in preparation for their end of year testing.

05/28/2026

Bubbles and Beans is set up and ready for business. Open to the public and RKLI alumni get a complimentary drink today until 6pm!

05/28/2026

✨ALUMNI✨
Today is the day! Be sure to stop by between 10am-6pm.

05/26/2026

We are gearing up for a great alumni day! Stop by and see us this Thursday 5/28 10am-6pm.
▶ Bubbles and Beans 🥤
▶ Activities - hat pyrography, DIY aromatherapy inhalers, and more!
▶ Snacks and DIY infused water 🍓
▶ Program swag!

05/13/2026

Be sure to check out this fun opportunity to learn our social dances and songs!

Our next social dance class will be Wednesday, May 13th at the Painttown Community Building from 6-7:30 pm. Space is limited due to the size of the building.

05/13/2026

The Right Path April modules focused on sense of place with a sites tour led by Dr. Brett Riggs. They also heard presentations from Beloved Man Davy Arch on our spiritual relationship with the natural world, going to water by Tara McCoy, sustainability and natural resources from Tommy Cabe and Katie Tiger spoke about the Center for Native Health.

05/12/2026

Don't forget to mark the alumni day event on your calendar! We can't wait to see you all and catch up on all the amazing things you are doing. See you on Thursday May 28th!

05/08/2026

The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to recognize Faith Long-Presley, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), as the first individual to complete all four leadership programs offered through the Institute’s culturally based leadership learning continuum.

05/05/2026

✨Attention all RKLI program alumni! We are having our annual alumni day on Thursday May 28th. If you are a current participant or have completed any of our programs (Cherokee Youth Council, Costa Rica Eco-Study Tour, Youth Cultural Exchange Program, the Jones-Bowman Leadership Award Program, the Duyugodv'i Right Path Adult Leadership Program, or the Native Plant Program stop in to see us! See flyer in post for details. ✨