NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi approves Principal Chief’s Day to be celebrated in conjunction with President’s Day
For the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the third Monday in February will be celebrated from now on as Principal Chief’s Day in conjunction with President’s Day. Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved Res. No. 486 unanimously during its regular session on Thursday, July 10, which made the designation.
EBCI Government Explained: Business Committee
The Business Committee of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has many varied functions as outlined throughout the Cherokee Code. Its duties and existence are covered in Cherokee Code Sec. 117-33.
Qualla Boundary Head Start & Early Head Start awarded Tribal Childcare Licensure for the fifth year in a row
EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Public Health & Human Services Division (EBCI PHHS) Regulatory & Compliance Department (RCD) has announced the Qualla Boundary Head Start & Early Head Start (QB HS & EHS) centers, Dora Reed Center, and Big Cove Children’s Center have been awarded their annual Tribal Childcare Licensure for the fifth year.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Elementary students write and illustrate nature book
For the second school year in a row, fifth grade students at Cherokee Elementary School have written and published a book. This school year, students in Mrs. Shae Deck’s class produced “Important Cherokee Animals and Plants” dedicated to the “past, present, and future Cherokee people”.
Need More Outdoors gears up for another adventure-filled summer
Need More Outdoors (NMO) is a nonprofit organization offering youth outdoor adventures and environmental education in western North Carolina. Cherokee Choices collaborates with NMO during their youth summer camps, and Director Robin Callahan and Behavioral Change Specialist Yolanda Saunooke sit on the NMO board.
CHA awarded $698K grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation for expansion and upgrades
Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has announced the receipt of a grant totaling $698,000 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. This substantial funding will empower CHA to significantly expand its programming, finalize a comprehensive master plan, and implement crucial upgrades to its historic venues.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Disagrees with North Carolina Election Director replacement
Elections in North Carolina have remained fair, trusted, and continuously under attack by those unable to accept the outcome.
EDITORIAL: Eastern Band unity
Now more than any time in our history since the Removal, we need to be a people focused on purpose and committed to each other in action.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call Part Four
A Close Call from Jesus. A solemn close call. Have you ever had a close call with Jesus to live? Are you listening?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
ON THE SIDELINES: Sports teaches teamwork and unity
Prior to the kickoff of the season opener for the Cherokee Braves, seniors Brandon Santiago and Luke Smith, walked, arms locked, to the center of the field for the coin toss.
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s all be more like Will this year
The very first On the Sidelines sports column I wrote many years ago was about Will Poolaw and his dedication to Cherokee Central Schools. As I was selecting a photograph for this week’s Braves Gameday graphic (Cherokee at Smoky Mtn.), I came across a shot I took of Will last season.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Donna Allison Crowe
Donna Allison Crowe, 71, of Cherokee went home to be with the Lord Friday June 6, 2025.
OBITUARY: John Gerald Walker
John Gerald Walker was born on Feb. 5, 1952 as a birthday gift to his mom Leois Evans Walker and his awesome dad George Walker.
OBITUARY: Shaina Marie Taylor
Shaina Marie Taylor, 34, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 11-13
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.
107th Cherokee Indian Fair Schedule (Oct. 8-12)
107th Cherokee Indian Fair Schedule (Oct. 8-12)
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 4-6
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
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