NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 10)
The One Feather provides 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.
Dinilawigi passes Ord. No. 184 prohibiting caging of bears
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). The ordinance change was originally submitted by Mary Crowe, an EBCI tribal elder from Elawodi (Yellowhill).
Dinilawigi votes to finalize conveyance of Fort Butler Park to EBCI
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) approved legislation authorizing EBCI Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks to finalize a recent conveyance of Fort Butler Park to the EBCI from the Town of Murphy, N.C.
Qualla Open Air Indian Art Market
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
A Day in the Makerspace: Bernice Bottchenbaugh’s chemise class at Qualla Boundary Public Library
On Thursday, Aug. 6, Bernice Bottchenbaugh, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove), taught a chemise class at the Qualla Boundary Public Library.
Cherokee Water reveals exclusive can for Red Clay State Historic Park’s 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration
Cherokee Water has revealed its exclusive water can for the 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration at Red Clay State Historic Park in Cleveland, Tenn. The event will take place from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9. Admission is $5 cash only.
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Translate That, Part 2 of 2
Often, when I read a different translation, a concept becomes more apparent to me. Not to brag but to make my point, I have read the Bible from the Table of Contents to Maps several times.
COMMENTARY: Should AI be used with the Cherokee language?
Generative AI is changing the way languages are learned and taught. New tools promise instant translation, personalized practice, and automated lesson creation, while platforms such as Duolingo now offer instruction in Hawaiian and Navajo.
COMMENTARY: News media need to have an impartial voice.
For many years, your One Feather staff has been providing documentation of events in our community, in surrounding communities, in the state, region, and nation.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi are ready to get season rolling
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) opened their 2017 campaign at the North Buncombe Black Hawks – a game they would win 36-10. That team went on to win the 2017 1A State Championship. This year, the Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi open their campaign at North Buncombe – just saying.
Kayleigh Wolfe is driven to succeed in MMA
For Kayleigh Wolfe, it is train, eat, sleep, wake-up, repeat. She is driven to succeed in the sport of MMA (mixed martial arts) and has a major fight coming up next month.
ON THE SIDELINES: Coach Briggs’ legacy of compassion and dedication will be felt for years to come
Kent Briggs, Coach Briggs to many of us, will be remembered as a man dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential. He led. He mentored. He inspired. He dreamed.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Celia Ann Smith (Cec)
Celia Ann Smith (Cec), 35, of Cherokee, went home to be with her dad Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of Kim Jackson of Cherokee and the late James Edward Smith.
OBITUARY: Brandon (Smalls) Kyle Sampson
Brandon (Smalls) Kyle Sampson, 29, of the Birdtown Community, crossed over to be his with Dad on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.
OBITUARY: Darrell Wayne Pyle
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Darrell Wayne Pyle, age 66.
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
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
Shinnecock women reclaim traditional practices in Nathaniel Cummings-Lambert’s new documentary
“Women of the Stony Shore: Shinnecock Kelp Farmers”, Nathaniel Cummings-Lambert’s new documentary, takes a close look at the traditional Shinnecock practice of kelp farming.
Cherokee values show us the way in Schon Duncan’s “Ahyoka”
Schon Duncan, a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, reminds us of Cherokee values and the true meaning of community with their new short film “Ahyoka” (ᎠᏲᎧ), a portrait of Ahyoka Youngdeer. Through telling Ahyoka’s story, Duncan emphasizes the importance of inclusivity while also honoring a good friend.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm