NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
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”.
Dinilawigi approves indefinite moratorium on data centers
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has approved a moratorium on data centers within the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). They passed Ord. No. 158 (2026) during the regular Dinilawigi session on Thursday, May 7 by a vote of 11-0 with Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee County) Rep. Michael Smoker being absent.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Growing Readers Initiative launches new book: “Brush, Book, Bed”
Kristina Hyatt, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the relational health program director for the Center for Native Health, recently authored a book for the Cherokee Growing Readers Initiative through Unite for Literacy.
Yates named director of WCU Cherokee Center
Western Carolina University has appointed Shalana Yates as director of the Cherokee Center, bringing to the role a strong background in nonprofit operations, tribal government, and leadership.
Davy Arch selected as EBCI Beloved Man
Davy Arch, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has been selected as a Beloved Man of the EBCI. Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed Res. No. 176 (2026), submitted by the Beloved Committee and which approved the designation, during its regular session on Thursday, April 2.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Nakoa Chiltoskie, traditional talent and knowledge with a smile
Nakoa Chiltoskie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an outstanding example of what a community-minded person should be. She is helpful, friendly, willing to share her vast cultural knowledge; and she does it all with a smile.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), Part 2 of 2
Our plans are not God’s plans. Even Jesus did not win every person He met to believe in Him. We do what we can to plant the seeds of obedience and faith and then pray for the Spirit to do the rest.
March report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of March.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Women’s History Month: Women in Recreation
March is Women’s History Month. For the month of March, the One Feather will be sharing articles that highlight strong, intelligent women behind the day-to-day operations of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
ON THE SIDELINES: The meaning of a teammate
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) have continued to dominate in the 2024-25 season, initiating a mercy rule running clock for most of their games, echoing last year’s championship run.
SOFTBALL: Tiger-Harlan signs with Reinhardt University
Mica Tiger-Harlan, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Smoky Mountain High School (SMHS), signed a letter of intent at SMHS in Sylva, N.C. on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 28 to play softball for Reinhardt University.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Michael Glenn Murphy
Michael Glenn Murphy, 64, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 9:06 a.m. at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, S.C., following a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Lloyd Knowles Arneach Sr.
Lloyd Knowles Arneach Sr., born Oct. 6, 1943, to Francis Newman Arneach and Roberta Mollie Gloyne, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026.
OBITUARY: Clara Saunooke
Clara Saunooke, a dedicated sister, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Bird Town community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.
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
“Homelands”: EBCI artists featured in McClung’s mound exhibit
Four artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are among Indigenous artists featured in a new exhibit at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.
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.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm