NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 22)
The One Feather provides weekly legislative updates on various pieces of federal legislation of interest to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The bills are shown in the order in which they were introduced following the new bills for the week.
CIPD Arrest Report for Sept. 14-20, 2026
The following people were arrested by the Cherokee Indian Police Department and booked into the Anthony Edward Lossiah Justice Center. It should be noted that the following defendants have only been charged with the crimes listed and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
EBCI Roads Commission Duliisdi meeting held
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Roads Commission monthly meeting was held on the morning of Unadodaquonvhi (Monday) Duliisdi (Sept.) 21.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Water reveals exclusive can for Red Clay State Historic Park’s 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration
Cherokee Water has revealed its exclusive water can for the 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration at Red Clay State Historic Park in Cleveland, Tenn. The event will take place from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9. Admission is $5 cash only.
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
Shinnecock women reclaim traditional practices in Nathaniel Cummings-Lambert’s new documentary
“Women of the Stony Shore: Shinnecock Kelp Farmers”, Nathaniel Cummings-Lambert’s new documentary, takes a close look at the traditional Shinnecock practice of kelp farming.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Translate That, Part 2 of 2
Often, when I read a different translation, a concept becomes more apparent to me. Not to brag but to make my point, I have read the Bible from the Table of Contents to Maps several times.
COMMENTARY: Should AI be used with the Cherokee language?
Generative AI is changing the way languages are learned and taught. New tools promise instant translation, personalized practice, and automated lesson creation, while platforms such as Duolingo now offer instruction in Hawaiian and Navajo.
COMMENTARY: News media need to have an impartial voice.
For many years, your One Feather staff has been providing documentation of events in our community, in surrounding communities, in the state, region, and nation.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
RUNNING: Swimmer commits to D1 program for cross country, track and field
Dvdaya Swimmer, a member of the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) cross country and track and field teams, is about to take her running career to the Aloha State.
Building from Legacy: Cherokee Wrestling begins again
Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi nole Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves and Cherokee Lady Braves) wrestling kicked off the 2025-26 season with the Maroon and Gold intrasquad scrimmage on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 6 in the Charles George Memorial Arena.
CROSS COUNTRY: Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) High School, Middle School teams win at Hayesville
The Cherokee High School (CHS) and Middle School (CMS) cross country teams participated in a meet, hosted by Hayesville High Schools, at the Clay County Rec. Center in Hayesville, N.C. on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 27.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Marcia Owle
Marcia Owle, 67, passed away unexpectedly following a tragic automobile accident. Her sudden passing leaves a deep sense of loss for her family, friends, church family, and all who knew her.
OBITUARY: Merlina Joshua Sneed
Merlina Joshua Sneed passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Cherokee, N.C., surrounded by her family. She was born on April 5, 1954, in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, to Yens and Melisda Lepot, being the ninth of eleven children.
OBITUARY: Celia Ann Smith (Cec)
Celia Ann Smith (Cec), 35, of Cherokee, went home to be with her dad Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of Kim Jackson of Cherokee and the late James Edward Smith.
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
“Grease” is the word: Cherokee Central is heading to Rydell High
The antics of Danny and Sandy and the T-Birds and Pink Ladies will be brought to life by students in an upcoming production by the Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) musical theatre program.
Tribal member named a Virginia A. Groot Craft Futures Resident
Ky’Lee Robison, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) with Mvskoke heritage, has been selected to receive the prestigious Virginia A. Groot Residency at the Center for Craft.
Sneed’s art shown in exhibit at Hickory Museum of Art
Lenoir-Rhyne University students participated in an exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art recently entitled “The Art of Profession” which featured students in the Advanced Studio Practices, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was one of those featured. Tishara Sneed, an EBCI tribal member who also has Dine’ (Navajo) heritage, displayed three ceramic masks for the exhibit.
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