NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
CCS School Board holds July meeting
The School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) met on Monday, July 20 in the Central Office Board Room. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jennifer Thompson at 5:05 p.m.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 20)
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.
Tribal member fights for access to possessory land
Scott Welch is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown). He is the possessory holder of tribal land on Cooper’s Creek Road that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Qualla Boundary in Swain County.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Good Medicine” follows Tribal member’s Transcontinental Run and more
A year after completing a Transcontinental Run from San Diego, Calif. to Wilmington, N.C., a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is looking forward to telling his story through an upcoming documentary.
18th Annual Cherokee Day of Caring reflects the spirit of Gadugi
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation, with the support of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and the Offices of the Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) and Taline Ugvwiyu (Vice Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) came together collaboratively for the 18th annual Day of Caring on Thursday, May 14.
Cherokees in the Revolutionary War – May 1776
Cherokee people today serve in the United States military, pay taxes, vote, and have American citizenship as well as tribal membership.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: What are our cultural norms regarding elk hunting?
So, I have been watching the debate over the prospect of tribal elk hunting evolving. And as I have observed and listened, it was curious to me how much our discussions sounded like the outside world and not that of culturally sensitive people.
COMMENTARY: She showed up for 13 years and so did her community.
When I spoke with Ava Walkingstick, Youth of the Year Nominee, her Cherokee Youth Center Manager, and the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tar Heel Region, I expected to hear a success story. What I heard was something deeper — a testament to what happens when a community refuses to leave its young people behind.
COMMENTARY: You are not alone. You are not broken
Good evening everyone. My name is Marissa Bradley-Ward and I am a person in long term recovery from Substance Use challenges.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Women’s History Month: Women in Recreation
March is Women’s History Month. For the month of March, the One Feather will be sharing articles that highlight strong, intelligent women behind the day-to-day operations of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
ON THE SIDELINES: The meaning of a teammate
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) have continued to dominate in the 2024-25 season, initiating a mercy rule running clock for most of their games, echoing last year’s championship run.
SOFTBALL: Tiger-Harlan signs with Reinhardt University
Mica Tiger-Harlan, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Smoky Mountain High School (SMHS), signed a letter of intent at SMHS in Sylva, N.C. on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 28 to play softball for Reinhardt University.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: William David Walkingstick
William David Walkingstick, 77, an Eastern Band Cherokee, N.C. native, who resided in Louisville, Tenn., passed away on the evening of Friday, May 29, 2026.
OBITUARY: Michael Lacaine Laws
Michael Lacaine Laws, 53, of the Lower Alarka Community, went home to be with the Lord Monday, June 1, 2026. A native of Swain County, he was the son of Sarah Reva Jenkins of Bryson City and the late James Harold Laws.
OBITUARY: Carolynn Lynda Smith
Carolynn Lynda Smith passed away in Asheville, N.C., on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
HAPPENINGS
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Sept. 27-29
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Sept. 20-22
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
Kananesgi holds 6th Annual Fashion Show
The 6th Annual Kananesgi Fashion Show, Art Show, and Art Market were held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The event included several Indigenous designers and vendors.
2024 Kananesgi Art Show winners
The 2024 Kananesgi Art Show was held on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center.
Hill exhibits work in “Future Imaginaries” show
A Cherokee artist is pushing her artwork into the future. Luzene Hill, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has a piece included in the “Future Imaginaries: Indigenous Art, Fashion, Technology” show running now at the Samuel & Minna Grodin Gallery at The Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, Calif.
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