NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
NAFOA issues financial analysis of impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on tribal nations
Alongside other National Tribal Organizations, NAFOA is analyzing the provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill and their potential impacts on Tribal Nations. We are committed to providing you with a thorough assessment and advocating for the needs of Indian Country.
Forrest Parker selected to North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis
The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis will begin meeting soon, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be at the table. Forrest Parker, Qualla Enterprises, LLC general manager, has been selected to serve on the Advisory Council.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 2, 2025)
The One Feather will now provide 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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CIHA welcomes new administrator of Tsali Care Center
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is proud to announce Michelle Tenhengel-deVille as the facility’s new administrator. With an impressive background in nursing leadership and executive healthcare management, she brings a wealth of experience, vision, and compassion to this vital role in our community.
Local student excels in dental school
Although East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine student Madisyn French is far from her hometown of Cherokee, N.C., she is eager to establish her role in the clinical environment of Ross Hall.
Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop to open at Museum
ᏗᏓᏂᏏᏍᎩ ᎦᏓᏆᏟ Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop opens at the Museum of the Cherokee People on Thursday, May 29. On view through May 2026, the exhibition features works by students of Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) handcrafted during an intensive three-month workshop.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call: Part Three
I heard a quote the other day that rings true. “What was once shunned and hidden in the dark alleys is now openly displayed in our living rooms and broad daylight on Main Street.”
COMMENTARY: More on tribal radio – Broadcasting would help us share our story and learn our language
Just a few more things about the benefits of the tribe adding a broadcast radio station as a part of our overall media and economic development strategy:
THE GOOD STUFF: Matthew Tooni is passionate about sharing music and language
At last year’s Kituwah Celebration, the gentle sounds of a flute could be heard wisping through the air at the ancient Mother Town of the Cherokee. The beautiful sounds were being performed by Matthew (Matt) Tooni, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who always brings beautiful music and a passion for Cherokee language and culture wherever he goes.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CHS presents Specialty Athletic Awards
Cherokee High School Athletics presented its specialty awards during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the afternoon of Thursday, May 23.
TRACK & FIELD: Swain sweeps team state titles; Several CHS athletes place
Swain Co. High School won both the men’s and women’s team titles at the 1A State Track & Field Championship held at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C. on Monday, May 20.
TRACK & FIELD: CHS athletes place at regionals and qualify for state meet
Several members of the Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team qualified for the 1A state championship meet with their performances at the 1A West Regional meet at Montreat College in Black Mountain, N.C. on Saturday, May 11.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Richard Dean Wahnetah
Richard Dean Wahnetah, age 66, of Hamilton, N.J., passed away at his residence on Friday, May 9, 2025, following a brief illness.
OBITUARY: Robert George Standingdeer
Robert George Standingdeer, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Mission Hospital, after an extended illness. He is the son of the late Joe and Beatrice Standingdeer and his foster Father, Ray Kinsland. He is also preceded by his brother, Bill.
OBITUARY: Warren Wesley Wilnoty
Warren Wesley Wilnoty, age 78, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Graysville, Tenn. on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Sept. 13-15
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.
Park to host Music of the Mountains event
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting the annual “Music of the Mountains” event on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Park to host stargazing event at Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a stargazing program in Cades Cove on Saturday, Sept. 7 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
New Cherokee Language Choir finding their tune
Many Monday afternoons are unremarkable, but on this particular Monday Seli and Geyadi were moving a mile a minute.
CHA cancels spring run of “Alice”
“Alice in Wonderland” will not be returning to the Mountainside Theatre in 2023.
Friends leading Cherokee copper work revitalization
Up a winding mountain road by a beautiful stream, just past the campus of Western Carolina University, is a metalworking shop where three men are practicing an art that has been done by Cherokee people in these mountains for thousands of years.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm