NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Senate passes resolution recognizing National Native American Heritage Month
The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan Senate resolution on Wednesday, Nov. 19, led by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), the vice chairman, recognizing November 2025 as National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the enduring cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Resolution seeks to halt constitution opinion referendum
During an Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on Oct. 21, legislation was passed that approved a referendum regarding opinions on the future of the work being done on a constitution for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Mary Crowe, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from Elawodi (Yellowhill), has now submitted a resolution asking that Dinilawigi rescind the legislation approving the referendum.
Ceremonial Grounds project about to start
The structures at the Ceremonial Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. were demolished several years ago, and the property has sat idle since. That is all about to change.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WCU Cherokee Center to hold 50th anniversary celebration Nov. 4
Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Center will celebrate five decades of outreach and partnership with the Cherokee community on Tuesday, Nov. 4 with an open house beginning at 5 p.m. followed by a reception and panel discussion at the Cherokee Youth Activity Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cherokee High School 1st quarter honor Roll (8th-12th grades)
Cherokee High School 1st quarter honor Roll (8th-12th grades)
Bark accepted into National Leadership Academy for Young Native Women
Raylen Bark, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and RKLI’s (Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute) grants and fundraising specialist, was recently accepted into the Native Action Network’s 2025 Young Native Women’s Leadership Academy.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: What would be fair?
Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the testimony of Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing concerning Senator Tillis’ bill S.107. You won’t see me doing that much. My personal ethics are that I keep my personal opinions out of the public area when it comes to our politicians, because I feel a moral obligation to be objective in my coverage of our leadership.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WNC citizen concerned about encroachment on press freedom
I write as a concerned citizen of western North Carolina to draw attention to the growing encroachment on press freedom under the current administration, and the implications this has for our local democracy.
THE GOOD STUFF: Micah Swimmer shares culture and hope
I have known Micah Swimmer for years, and one thing that has always impressed me about him is his hope surrounding Cherokee culture and language. Whenever I see him at events, he is always sharing and educating.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: Three CHS runners qualify for state meet
Three Cherokee High School (CHS) runners placed at the 1A West Regional Cross Country championship held at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 26 and have qualified for the 1A State Championship meet. Ogana Swimmer, Dvdaya Swimmer, and Livia Crowe all qualified for the state meet set for Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, N.C.
FOOTBALL: Braves move up in SMC with second consecutive shutout
The Cherokee Braves (5-2) have moved into second place in the Smoky Mountain Conference following their second consecutive shutout in a row. The Braves defeated the Hayesville Yellow Jackets 22-0 at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 and sit in second place in the SMC behind Murphy (7-1).
FOOTBALL: Braves dominate on both sides of the ball in win over Andrews
The Cherokee Braves (4-3) amassed 363 offensive yards as they blanked the Andrews Wildcats (4-2) by a score of 27-0 on the chilly evening of Friday, Oct. 11 at Ray Kinsland Stadium.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Maria “Ada” Arch
Maria “Ada” Arch, 61, of the Painttown Community, peacefully gained her wings surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
OBITUARY: Esther “Gig” Ross-McCoy
Esther “Gig” Ross-McCoy, 78 of the Yellowhill Community, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
OBITUARY: Hattie Elizabeth Panther
Hattie Elizabeth Panther, age 82, passed away peacefully at Tsali Care Center on October 17, 2025.
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
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).
“Stellar Picks: A Community Choice Exhibition” to open at WCU
The WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center has tallied the votes, and the results are in on which objects will be included in its newest exhibition Stellar Picks: A Community Choice Exhibition.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
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