NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Vending machines are having a positive impact on public health
Just over two years ago, vending machines were installed around tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in an effort to improve access to health and wellness supplies.
Annual Council resolution to reaffirm Resolution 309 (2022) dies on the floor
On the morning of Thursday, Oct. 30, Res. 29 (2025), submitted by Joseph Owle from Wayohi (Wolftown), died on the floor during Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Annual Council. The resolution would have reaffirmed Res. 309 (2022), which passed.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Coming home: Wudeligv’s Donato Seabolt
Donato Seabolt is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation from Tahlequah, Okla., where he works as an armed security officer for Cherokee Nation Health Services. He is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Wudeligv (west) Anetso (Stickball) team out of Oklahoma.
“Talehvga!”: Walelu’s Daryl Martin
Daryl Martin, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Walelu (Hummingbirds) Anetso (Stickball) team. Martin is the supply manager for Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.
A player’s responsibility: Wayohi’s Cory Junaluska
Cory Junaluska, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Wayohi (Wolftown) Anetso (Stickball) team.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Division, Part 2 of 2
When we see division, we should immediately become peacemakers.
THE GOOD STUFF: Stuttering is ok and you’re allowed to take your time
You might be wondering why I’m writing one of my Good Stuff columns about a neurological disorder, and that’s a fair question. I’ve stuttered since early childhood, and it has been a lifetime of ups and downs regarding my speech.
COMMENTARY: Language Revitalization requires a winner’s mentality
There is a great urgency to our language revitalization efforts; we feel it every day. If we’re not careful, that urgency can feel like anxiety, dread, or even defeat. But urgency does not mean defeat; it means there’s an opportunity that we can seize.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves win team title, CHS runners place at SMC Championship
As a chilly, foggy morning air misted over Kituwah, the Mother Town of the Cherokee, Austin Fourkiller-Raby came around the final corner leading the Smoky Mountain Conference middle school girls championship race on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 12.
FOOTBALL: Braves top Mt. Zion in scorefest
For sports fans who like scoring, the place to be was Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Friday, Sept. 20. The Cherokee Braves (3-2) topped the Mt. Zion Might Warriors (2-3) by a score of 54-40.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee runners win at Keith Payne Memorial Invitational meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves team won the Keith Payne Memorial Invitational meet held at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 21. Led by Austin Fourkiller-Raby, who won the middle school girls race with a time of 12:08.43, the CMS Lady Braves won with a score of 33 followed by Smoky Mountain at 59.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr.
Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr., 67, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, after a long illness. Surrounded by love, he was joyfully reunited with his precious grandson, Kobe Gavin, whom he loved and missed with all his heart.
OBITUARY: Jeremiah Taylor
Jeremiah Taylor, age 63, of the Big Cove Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at his residence after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”
Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”, 75, of Whittier, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Cherokee, N.C. She was born on April 22, 1950, in Stilwell, Okla., to the late Owen and Cornelia Proctor Walker. Arlene’s life was rooted in devotion to her family and the simple joys that brought her fulfillment.
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 tribal member takes top honor at Trail of Tears Art Show
The longest-running Native American juried art show and competition in Oklahoma announced its top honors during a special reception on April 5 at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza.
Oconaluftee Indian Village prepares to open for 2024 season
The Oconaluftee Indian Village will open on Tuesday, April 16, for their 2024 season, which will last until Nov. 2.
EBCI members present on mask making at Western Carolina University
On the evening of Thursday, April 11, two Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) members, Davy Arch and Driver Blythe, gave a presentation on the history of Cherokee mask making at the Mountain Heritage Center at Tali Tsisgwayahi (Two Sparrows Place) on the campus of Western Carolina University (WCU).
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