NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
EBCI legislative updates (May 8)
The One Feather will now provide regular legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The focus will be on ordinances that change Cherokee Code, but sometimes resolutions of importance to the operation of the tribal government will also be included. The legislation is shown in the order in which they were introduced following the new ones for the week.
Resolution for EBCI to support Ela Dam removal advocacy passes
The Elohi Dinigatiyi (Earth Keepers) and the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA) Daughters submitted a resolution that was passed unanimously on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7 by Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) to “support the removal of Ela dam and the restoration of Longperson”.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Smith represents EBCI at United Nations Forum on Indigenous Health
Jasmine Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), made history as the youngest EBCI representative to speak at the recent United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), addressing global leaders on Indigenous health and environmental protection.
Faith Long-Presley becomes first to graduate from all four Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute Programs
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.
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: She showed up for 13 years and so did her community.
When I spoke with Ava Walkingstick, Youth of the Year Nominee, her Cherokee Youth Center Manager, and the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tar Heel Region, I expected to hear a success story. What I heard was something deeper — a testament to what happens when a community refuses to leave its young people behind.
COMMENTARY: You are not alone. You are not broken
Good evening everyone. My name is Marissa Bradley-Ward and I am a person in long term recovery from Substance Use challenges.
COMMENTARY: We should all do less nose-thumbing and more listening.
I recently had coffee with a friend who was sharing frustration about a coworker who neglected or ignored duties.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Joscelyn Stamper breaking records, and she’s not done
Joscelyn Stamper has a calm, kind demeanor that probably surprises a lot of people when they find out just how competitive she is athletically
Three in a row: Lady Braves make history with third consecutive state basketball championship
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) are the 2025-2026 NCHSAA 2A State Champions. The Lady Braves dominated the state game, earning their third state title in a row with the largest winning margin in NCHSAA history for women’s basketball on the evening of Thursday, March 12 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
EBCI wrestlers compete at State; Cherokee High School tallies two State placers
Pippa Welch (women’s 152, third place) and Levi Tramper (HWT, fourth place) from Cherokee High School, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), competed in the 2026 NCHSAA State Championship Tournament held Feb. 19 to Feb. 22 in Greensboro Coliseum.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Charles “Cotton” Young
Charles “Cotton” Young, 84, was born on April 4, 1942, and passed on Friday, May 1, 2026 peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.
OBITUARY: Bernadine S. Bradley
On Friday, May 1, 2026, Bernadine S. Bradley, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
OBITUARY: Goliath Taylor
Sherman Taylor, better known as “Goliath” to most, passed away on Tuesday, April 30 at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of his family. Though known to many as a quiet and steady man, to those who loved him most, he was a constant presence–strong, dependable, and full of quiet humor.
HAPPENINGS
32nd Annual Stories from the Pumpkin Patch
The thirty second Annual Stories from the Pumpkin Patch will be held Saturday, October 11th from 3pm till 8pm at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. The evening will feature several storytellers from the Jonesborough International Story Tellers Guild. These...
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Blythe-Lewis continuing father’s work as Vision Maker Media celebrates 50 years
For the past 50 years, Native American filmmakers have had their visions seen and voices heard through an organization now known as Vision Maker Media.
EBCI members to star in production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars”
Ashlie Blaske and Steve Wood are both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) starring in a production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars,” written by Tlingit actor Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, presented by Sky Bear Media and directed by Nez Perce actor Josephine Keefe, at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Wash.
Tribal member releases new titles in “Angelina the Adventure Cat” book series
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is expanding on a book series based on her beloved Maine Coon cat, Angelina.
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