NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 2, 2025)
The One Feather will now provide weekly legislative updates on various pieces of federal legislation of interest to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The bills are shown in the order in which they were introduced following the new bills for the week.
Cherokee Court releases Administrative Order adopting guide for attorney’s fees in criminal cases
On June 16, the Cherokee Court of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBC) released an Administrative Order, effective July 1, for “Reimbursement of Attorney’s Fees For Appointed Counsel in Criminal Cases,” signed by Bradley Letts, Chief Justice of the Cherokee Supreme Court; Monty Beck, Chief Judge of Cherokee Court; and Barbara Parker, Associate Judge of Cherokee Court
Cherokee Water ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᎹ announces new distribution deal with no added cost
Thanks to a new distribution deal, Cherokee Water ᏣᎳᎩ ᎠᎹ will be available to thousands more people in the region. The water, a product of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), will now be distributed by Pepsi Co. along with a new marketing strategy entitled “Yes Cherokee Can”.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
“I need to go and do my part”: Tribal elder’s memory honored with Congressional Record
The life and military service of the late Fred B. Lunsford, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who was a World War II veteran and a Baptist minister, was honored during a ceremony at the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Wednesday, July 2.
Cherokee Senior Citizens participate in National Elder Abuse Awareness Walk
The Cherokee Senior Citizens Program, in collaboration with community members, participated in a nationwide Elder Abuse Awareness Walk recently, joining thousands across the country to bring attention to a serious and often overlooked issue: the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Reservation Dogs (and Cats)
I routinely travel over Soco Mountain on my commute to and from work. It is a pretty drive during most times of the year, and it is a great time to reflect on and sometimes detoxify from what can be a frustrating, confusing, and thought-provoking workday.
THE GOOD STUFF: John Henry Gloyne shares culture through art and tattoos
The late Irish poet Oscar Wilde once said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” That sentiment describes John Henry Gloyne who is an incredible artist who always brings a powerful message.
COMMENTARY: A TDA has been the right answer for our Tribe all along
I am going to travel to some old ground today. I have advocated for a Chamber of Commerce or a tourism development authority for our tribal community for decades. The concept works in almost every municipality in the country.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: CMS athletes place at SMC Middle School Championship
Several members of the Cherokee Middle School (CMS) placed in the top three at the Smoky Mountain Middle School track and field championship held at Swain Co. High School in Bryson City, N.C. on Monday, April 28
Atlanta Braves to host Fourth Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the fourth annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 21-22. The top high school baseball players of Native American descent from around North America will participate in a showcase experience at Truist Park from Saturday, June 21 through Sunday, June 22.
WRESTLING: Cooper signs with Frostburg State University
Anasette Cooper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Swain County High School (SCHS), signed a letter of intent to wrestle collegiately for the Frostburg State University Bobcats during an event held at SCHS on the morning of Friday, March 28.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Sally J. Kent
Sally J. Kent, 62, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Charles Ray Elders
Charles Ray Elders, 82, of Whittier, N.C., went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 20, 2025.
OBITUARY: Florence Addie Reed
Florence Addie Reed, also known as “Babe,” beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Born on May 6, 1965, Babe lived a life filled with love, kindness, and pride in her Native American heritage.
HAPPENINGS
LampLight Theatre to present “The Advocate” in Cherokee
While many haunted attractions promise a night of terror, LampLight’s favored traveling production of “The Advocate” will besiege you long past your visit to see it. Have you ever wondered if God and Satan are real? Is there really a time we will all stand in God’s court of judgment?
12th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala set for July
The 12th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala, which will be held on Saturday, July 15 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, promises to be “A Star-Filled Summer Night,” to celebrate healthcare and community in a festive atmosphere under the stars.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian to host Community Writers’ Workshop Series
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) has announced the Confluence: An Indigenous Writers’ Workshop, an opportunity offered to citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians throughout 2023.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Museum of the Cherokee People announces ‘The Way We See the World’ film lineup
Museum of the Cherokee People has announced the film lineup for its annual Indigenous pop culture event The Way We See the World, held in the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Aug. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“Grease” is the word: Cherokee Central is heading to Rydell High
The antics of Danny and Sandy and the T-Birds and Pink Ladies will be brought to life by students in an upcoming production by the Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) musical theatre program.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm