NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Tabled ordinance would change candidacy requirements
The EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Board of Elections has submitted an ordinance that would remove a section from the tribe’s election law regarding requirements for filing for candidacy. Ord. No. 21 (2025) was deemed read and tabled during the Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.
Hope, Strength, and Healing: EBCI acknowledges Purple Lotus Day
Hope, strength, and healing were the messages conveyed at the Purple Lotus Day event held at the Cherokee Welcome Center on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 22.
CCS School Board holds October meeting
The School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) met on Monday, Oct. 20 in the Central Office Board Room. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jennifer Thompson.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Family Safety named EBCI PHHS Program of the Year
On Friday, Sept. 19, against the backdrop of the Mother Town of the Cherokee, EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Public Health & Human Services Division honored employees who embody excellence, service, and cultural values.
EBCI bestows title of Beloved Man to Rev. Fred Lunsford
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has bestowed the exalted title of Beloved Man to the late Rev. Fred Bruner Lunsford. Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved Res. No. 435 unanimously during a clean-up session on Tuesday, Sept. 30 which made the designation.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority recognizes National Recovery Month by announcing ‘Recovery Friendly NC Workplace’ Certification
During a catered lunch from Nikki’s Frybread on Wednesday, Sept. 24 to celebrate staff at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) who are in recovery, Tara Reed-Cooper, associate director of Career Development announced CIHA completed the certification process to become a Recovery Friendly Workplace through Recovery Friendly NC, a statewide initiative that helps employers and community partners create supportive spaces for individuals in or seeking recovery.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Family appreciative of events in Cherokee
Our family comes to visit several times a year – mostly centered around events you plan.
COMMENTARY: When a man really cares
Jordan Oocumma came to Noquisi Initiative in 2024 wanting to rekindle a broad respect for Noquisiyi.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Discipline
God made us; He knows us better than we know ourselves. The wisdom of God far outweighs the fantasies of those who think you can raise a child to respect their parents and ultimately the authority of God without the knowledge of punishment and the results of one’s actions.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves keep rolling with win at Murphy
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves continued their winning ways with a team victory at a meet in Murphy, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The team won with a score of 30 followed by Murphy with 62.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Ramona Lossie
Ramona Lossie, beloved, mother, sister, and esteemed Cherokee basket maker, passed away on Aug. 26, 2025. A lifelong resident of Cherokee, Ramona devoted her life to preserving and teaching the art of Cherokee basketry.
OBITUARY: Barbara A. Saunooke (Bossy)
Barbara A. Saunooke (Bossy), 77, of the Birdtown Community, took the hand of Jesus to walk on the streets of Gold Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Mary (Bell) Taylor. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in...
OBITUARY: Joedy Andrew Hobby
Joedy Andrew Hobby, 70, of Moreland, Ga., formerly of Atlanta, passed away Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital.
HAPPENINGS
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.
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)
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm