NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
MMIW: IWMF One-Year Grant in Review
From January 2024 to January 2025, with help from a year-long grant awarded by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Fund for Indigenous Journalists: Reporting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Transgender People (MMIWG2T), the Cherokee One Feather has worked to cover as many of the 35+ documented Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) cases as possible with articles and graphics. With the grant year complete, we have compiled an overview of the coverage and developments.
Cherokee Nation withdraws from Tri-Council
One of the three legs of the tripod that is Tri-Council has decided to withdraw from participation. The Legislative Branch of the Cherokee Nation (Okla.) passed Res. No. 24-114 on Monday, Dec. 16 withdrawing their tribe from the Tri-Council which is an annual meeting of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (N.C.), the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (Okla.).
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians celebrates grand opening of Caesars Virginia
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) joined Caesars Entertainment on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to celebrate the grand opening of the highly anticipated Caesars Virginia casino & resort. Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, alongside members of his Executive team and Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), attended the event, marking a significant milestone in EBCI’s ongoing partnership with Caesars Entertainment.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 1st 9weeks grading period
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 1st 9weeks grading period
WCU Printmaking Class partners with KPEP on handmade books
Western Carolina University (WCU) Asst. Prof. Tatiana Potts has partnered with Kituwah Preservation Education Program (KPEP) Curriculum Developer Hartwell Francis and other Cherokee language learners in KPEP to produce several books illustrated and handmade by WCU students in her Introduction to Printmaking course.
Faith Long-Presley selected for prestigious SWAIA Native Fashion Week
Faith Long-Presley, an accomplished artist, designer, and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as a designer for the highly-anticipated SWAIA Native Fashion Week in May.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Put the sign back
A debate between the tribal business committee and the tribal museum has left the community without a roadside sign to alert those traveling on Tsali Blvd that there is a valuable source of education and information about our tribe since May 2024.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Surprise!
Have you ever received a gift and didn’t know where it came from or why? Then later you find out who gave you the gift. Were you surprised? Did it mean more to you to know who gave you the gift? Did you feel more love or affection for the giver, knowing it came from them?
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Use of cell towers and AM radio
Cell phone sites and AM radio stations have been viewed by many as unable to function from the same tower.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team members place at Fall Tournament
Members of the Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team placed at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Fall Tournament held recently in Charlotte, N.C.
Cherokee Recreation Youth Wrestling Program will begin in March
Starting in March, Cherokee Recreation will launch a new youth wrestling program. Casey Reagan, from Smokey Mountain Judo, will be heading up the program with help from his family, including his sister, Erin Reagan Kirkland, from Cherokee Central Schools.
Lady Braves golfer Paytyn Barker makes history
Paytyn Barker, a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), began playing golf in her sophomore year.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Bernard Kenneth Biddle Jr.
Bernard Kenneth Biddle Jr., age 73, also known as “Kenny”, passed away at Vero Health and Rehab on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Lloyd Leslie Ledford
Lloyd Leslie Ledford, age 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
OBITUARY: Tom Queen Jr.
Tom Queen Jr., 63, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Florida surrounded by his loving family.
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
Carving a path: The future of Cherokee art collection
Driver Blythe, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is a graduate student and student teacher in Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Studies program.
Kananesgi holds 6th Annual Fashion Show
The 6th Annual Kananesgi Fashion Show, Art Show, and Art Market were held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The event included several Indigenous designers and vendors.
2024 Kananesgi Art Show winners
The 2024 Kananesgi Art Show was held on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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