NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (May 2025)
Each month, the One Feather will provide legislative updates on various pieces of federal legislation of interest to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Chief Hicks Monthly Report for Ka-wo-ni – ᎧᏬᏂ (April)
April was a meaningful month filled with progress, strong partnerships, and time spent with our people. I’m proud to share a few highlights from the past several weeks.
EBCI Government Explained: The Cherokee Arts and Crafts Act
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has a community flush with artistic talent and history, and the Cherokee Arts and Crafts Act was passed to help with its sustainability.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SCC recognizes Ugvwiyuhi Hicks for Distinguished Alumni Award
Michell Hicks, Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been named the recipient of Southwestern Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute to celebrate Alumni Week and announces International Conference Opportunity
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to share two exciting updates that reflect their continued commitment to culturally based leadership development for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Code Purple: A Community Response
Jeff Helpman, pastor of The Grove Church on Franklin Grove in Bryson City, heads a Code Purple warming center at his church with the help of his wife, Jodi Helpman, who is graduating this May from Western Carolina University’s Master of Social Work program.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: I miss church
I know the arguments and understand the desire to attract those ‘in the world’ to attend church with entertainment. But have we become so much like the world that it is hard to tell the difference? Have we lost our salt? Is our light like every other street light shining without brightness?
COMMENTARY: Sovereignty between a rock and a hard place
Over my years with the tribe, I have been a witness to a lot of chest-thumping over Indian sovereignty. From top tribal leadership to the lowest common denominator, we take pride in our perceived freedom.
THE GOOD STUFF: Hugh Lambert serves with a smile and soulful spirit
The ever-present smile and positive attitude of Hugh Lambert is endearing to all who meet him. He is quick with a joke and a funny story but also very focused on serving his people and community of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
JV FOOTBALL: Cherokee Braves win double overtime thriller over Rosman
Sports fans got their money’s worth at the JV football game as Cherokee hosted Rosman on Thursday, Aug. 29. Ray Kinsland Stadium erupted as Cherokee’s Wakinyan Raines ran four yards for the go-ahead and eventual winning touchdown in double overtime to lift the Braves 26-20 over the Tigers.
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves win at TCEC Jaguar Jungle Run
The Cherokee Central Schools cross country teams traveled to Murphy, N.C. on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 28 to participate in the TCEC (Tri-County Early College) Jaguar Jungle Run.
Over 500 anglers compete in Qualla Country Fish Tournament
A total of 518 anglers registered for the Qualla Country Fish Tournament held in Cherokee, N.C. on Aug. 24-25. In all, 86 of those anglers redeemed a total of 155 tags for a total of $12,425 in cash prizes being distributed.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Reba Rattler
Reba Rattler, 78 of the Snowbird Community, gained her heavenly wings the morning of Monday, April 7, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
OBITUARY: Joyce Elaine Bradley
Joyce Elaine Bradley passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Joyce leaves behind a legacy of care, kindness, and quiet strength.
OBITUARY: Mianna Shereece “Peaches” Squirrell
Mianna Shereece “Peaches” Squirrell was called home to be with the Lord, surrounded by love and carried by the legacy she built through a life of service, compassion, and unshakable faith. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every heart she touched — and there are so many.
HAPPENINGS
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.
Robert Mirabal to perform at WCU Bardo Arts Center
The Western Carolina University Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present, The River, on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. This piece is a dynamic collaboration between ETHEL, acclaimed adventurous string quartet and Robert Mirabal, Native American musician, instrument builder, and three-time GRAMMY® Award winner.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cherokee Musical Theatre to present “Sister Act”
The comedic antics of Deloris Van Cartier will come to life this spring in the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center as the Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theatre program presents “Sister Act”. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Learning lessons from the clay; Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opens at Museum
The artistry and beauty of Cherokee pottery was on display at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian as the Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opened on the evening of Friday, April 14. The exhibit featured the works of students from a Community Learning Workshop, hosted by the Museum, which was taught by Tara McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and noted potter.
Gadugi Pottery Exhibit Reception planned
On April 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join students from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI)’s Community Learning pottery class, led by Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), for a reception celebrating “Gadugi Pottery Exhibit,” on view at MCI from April 14 to May 12.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm