NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Continuing to grow: Great Smoky Cannabis Co. expanding
On an overcast and chilly late winter morning, Simon Montelongo works in a room, clean as a laboratory, with fellow employees processing cannabis in various products. Montelongo, a lead processor at the Great Smoky Cannabis Co. farm, is one of over 225 employees with the company which continues to grow and expand.
Senate Indian Affairs Committee advances 25 bills to full Senate
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi), Vice Chairman of the Committee, led a business meeting of the Senate Committee of Indian Affairs in Washington, DC, to consider 25 bills before the Committee.
Kituwah pavilion construction underway
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Kituwah pavilion on the afternoon of Monday, March 3
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI tribal members to shine on the runway at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week
Cherokee designer Faith Long-Presley is making waves in the fashion world with her upcoming showcase at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week. Representing her community with pride, she has selected 11 models from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to model her designs during the event.
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 – 2nd 9-weeks Grading Period
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 – 2nd 9-weeks Grading Period
Center for Native Health receives $500K grant to start Doula Program
The Center for Native Health (CNH) has been selected to receive a $500,000 grant, provided by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and supported by the Spirit Aligned Leadership Program, to establish a doula program for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: Lumbee Tribal Chairman attacks media coverage of Lumbee federal recognition
On the afternoon of Feb. 10, John L. Lowery, tribal chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, released a public memo making accusations of “propaganda articles” and “fake news reports” from the “smear campaign” of the “multi-million-dollar propaganda machine of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”
COMMENTARY: A Cherokee Valentine’s Day
My favorite fruit is ani (strawberry), partly because I enjoy them and I grew up with Strawberry Shortcake (the cartoon and the dessert), but mainly because of the Cherokee Legend of the First Strawberry that I first heard in kindergarten in Mrs. Sammi Saunooke’s class.
THE GOOD STUFF: Roger Smoker provides hope to language revitalization
Roger Smoker, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the chairman of the Cherokee Speakers Council, is determined to see the language thrive – not just survive.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee opens season at Hayesville; CHS and CMS Lady Braves win
The Cherokee Central Schools cross country teams started off their 2024 season at Hayesville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 21, and both the Cherokee High School (CHS) and Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves won the team event in their division.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Nigel Holmes Ledford
Nigel Holmes Ledford, 29 of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
OBITUARY: Mary Catherine “Tootie” Smith
Mary Catherine “Tootie” Smith, age 94, of Wolftown Community, widow of Sibbald Smith, passed away, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at Hospice at the Cherokee Hospital.
OBITUARY: Bryan Steven Squirrel
Bryan Steven Squirrel, 41, of Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of George Squirrel of Cherokee and the late Sarah Elizabeth Bradley.
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
“Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” exhibition on display through May
The exhibition “Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” aims to reinforce the significance of Cherokee masks, their history and use, as well as their meaning and significance.
University of North Carolina Asheville to host “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival
The University of North Carolina Asheville is hosting the “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival and Residency on April 11-14.
Native America Calling receives National Humanities Medal
Native America Calling, a program of the Alaska-based Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal from The National Endowment for the Humanities. The award was presented to Koahnic’s president and chief executive officer, Jaclyn Sallee, by U.S. President Joe Biden at a White House ceremony on Tuesday, March 21.
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