NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Breaking ground on the EBCI Evidence Building
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Evidence Building on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Cherokee Cablevision provides update on Tribal Fiber Project
The Cherokee Cablevision (CCV) Board has made the decision to make every home and business in Phases 1 and 2 fiber-ready, regardless of current service interest.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tribal member writes first book in a series on Angelina the Adventure Cat
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians currently residing in Webster, N.C., has started a book series – the first of which is “Angelina the Adventure Cat and the Garden of Whiskerwinks”. The book is based on Angelina, a Maine Coon, who is a service cat alerting Lyons of upcoming migraines.
One Feather reporter attends Indigenous Media Conference
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) held the 2025 Indigenous Media Conference (IMC) in Albuquerque, N.M. at the Isleta Pueblo Resort & Casino from Aug. 13-15
Tafoya receives prestigious art award
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya has been named one of 10 recipients of the LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artist Award given by the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF). Tafoya, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with Santa Clara Pueblo heritage, is a multi-medium visual artist who has a love of basketry.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Compelling devotion, Part 2 of 2
Let’s look at Luke 14:16-23: “Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’
COMMENTARY: Kinship, not governments, defines the Cherokee People
For centuries, the Cherokee people were united not by a single central government but by kinship, clans, and shared values. Our ancestors built their lives on responsibility to one another, not bureaucracy. Towns governed themselves. What held us together was culture, language, and family bonds. Governments came later.
COMMENTARY: The Matriarch Era
Following the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) primary, I wrote a commentary about the women candidates showing up, showing out, and providing a new hope for the general election.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
ON THE SIDELINES: The will to win
Covering Lady Braves Volleyball was one of my very first beats when I began as a reporter with the One Feather in October 2023.
CROSS COUNTRY: CHS, CMS Lady Braves win at home meet
Cherokee Central Schools hosted a cross country meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 4, and both the Cherokee High School (CHS) and Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves won their team contests.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Maryann Lukowicz
Maryann Lukowicz, 79, passed away at Harris Regional Hospital after an extended illness on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
OBITUARY: Lacy Caldwell-Arch
Lacy Caldwell-Arch, age 41, of Waynesville, N.C., passed away on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
OBITUARY: Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee
Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee, 65, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Jean Wahnetah Bernhisel.
HAPPENINGS
Indian Nations Conservation Alliance hosting conference
Indian Nations Conservation Alliance (INCA) will be hosting their annual National Tribal Conservation Districts Conference, Nov. 5-7, 2019, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, Okla.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 18-20
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.
Homecoming 2019 to be celebrated at WCU with theme ‘Forever a Catamount’
“Forever a Catamount” will be the theme for Homecoming 2019 at Western Carolina University, with a schedule of public events that includes a concert by country music star Lee Brice, a parade down Main Street in Sylva, award presentations to exemplary alumni, and the traditional football game.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cherokee musicians featured in new album with N.C. artists
Blue Ridge Music Trails released an album in November of 2023 titled, “Fine Tuned: Volume One” featuring artists from western North Carolina to highlight the musical traditions of the region. Keaw’e Bone and Jarrett Wildcatt, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), collaborated on a song on the album titled, “Three Demons.”
Braves showcase Broadway in fifth annual show
Songs and dances from Broadway filled the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the evening of Friday, Dec. 8. Students in the Cherokee Central Schools Dance and Musical Theatre Program put on the 5th Annual Braves on Broadway show.
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.
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