By BROOKLYN BROWN BIGMEATOne Feather ReporterCHEROKEE, N.C. – On the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 6, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed Ordinance No. 184 (2026) “…amending Chapter 19 regarding caging bears on Tribal lands.” The ordinance prohibits the caging of bears on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). After Sept. 1, 2026, no new or additional bears can be substituted or used to replace existing bears. On and after Sept. 1, 2028, it will be prohibited for any person to keep bears in captivity on Tribal lands.