NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Voter participation over 45 percent for EBCI General Election
Over 45 percent of the registered voters of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians cast a ballot in the General Election held Thursday, Sept. 4. According to information from the EBCI Board of Elections, 3,031 of the 6,702 registered voters cast a ballot for a voter participation of 45.23 percent.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Dinilawigi approves increase to tribal levy and privilege tax; approves FY26 budget
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved an increase to the tribal levy and privilege tax and approved the FY2026 budget for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Annual Eastern Band Cherokee Pow Wow winners list
Following are the winners for the Annual Eastern Band Cherokee Pow Wow held at the old Cherokee High School site in Cherokee, N.C. on July 4-6:
Person Centered Thinking Trainings offered to Community
In recent months, EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Public Health & Human Services Division (EBCI PHHS) and Cansler Collaborative Resources have partnered to deliver Person Centered Thinking (PCT) training to the community.
Center for Native Health to unveil community kiln in the fall
The Center for Native Health (CNH), in collaboration with the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute and with support from South Arts, Cherokee Preservation Foundation, and East Fork Pottery, is in the home stretch of a community kiln build in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the light (Part 2 of 2)
Friends… Isn’t it great when you know you have a faithful friend?
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the Light, Part 1 of 2
Many people do not have the vision to see the power of God in themselves. They lack confidence in themselves, which is a lack of faith in God who lives within them.
THE GOOD STUFF: Talking Trees Trout Derby is a great catch for families
Every year, over a thousand children, with parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles in tow, fill the Oconaluftee Island Park on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.) for the annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Check out the Cherokee Skate Jam
Aaron Ira Smart soared into the air, grabbed his board, and did a keen trick mid-air between rounds at an annual event that astounds me each year. Smart, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation with heritage from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) as well, did this at last year’s Cherokee Skate Jam.
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves keep rolling with win at Murphy
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves continued their winning ways with a team victory at a meet in Murphy, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The team won with a score of 30 followed by Murphy with 62.
The Tsalagi Cougars are going for gold
The Tsalagi Cougars are the regional cheer group competing in the North Carolina Senior Games. Beginning last year and earning a second-place medal, the team, representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has grown in numbers and excitement, gunning for first place at the 2024 Senior Games happening in Raleigh Sept. 16-22.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Winston Carl Wolfe Welch
Winston Carl Wolfe Welch, of the Big Cove Community, passed from this earth on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. Winston lived with mental health struggles that, while invisible, were a heavy burden.
OBITUARY: R. Leo James
R. Leo James, 86, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
OBITUARY: Harold George
Harold George, a cherished member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on Sept. 20, 1953, in Cherokee, N.C., Harold led a life filled with love, laughter.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 1-3
Note: This list of pow wows was compiled by One Feather staff. The One Feather does not endorse any of these dances. It is simply a listing of ones occurring throughout the continent. Please call before traveling.
Park to host National Bat Week Program for Junior Rangers
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a Junior Ranger in honor of National Bat Week on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the Oconaluftee Administration Building.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 25-27
Note: This list of pow wows was compiled by One Feather staff. The One Feather does not endorse any of these dances. It is simply a listing of ones occurring throughout the continent. Please call before traveling.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
EBCI ARTIST PROFILE: Jody Bradley Lipscomb
For Jody Bradley Lipscomb, her art is a way to connect with and educate others about her heritage. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), she has shown her paintings in numerous exhibits and shows and currently has several pieces in the “This Land Calls Us Home” at the Atlanta Airport.
Mother and daughter’s unique passion and flare for fashion
On the evening of Saturday, Nov. 4, Ayosta Lossie, a junior at Cherokee High School, presented her first collection in the 2023 Kananesgi Fashion Show, becoming the youngest designer to enter the show.
Kananesgi Fashion Show and Art Competition announces winners
Following yet another stunning display of Cherokee designs, the Kananesgi Fashion Show and Art Competition organizers announced the list of artists and makers earning top prizes.
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