NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passes cannabis home grow law
People with a Medical Cannabis Patient Card can now grow their own cannabis again on tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, under certain restrictions.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approves pediatric dialysis treatment feasibility examination
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is going to look at the feasibility of offering pediatric dialysis services on the Qualla Boundary. Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed Res. No. 461 (2025), which was introduced by EBCI Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, during its regular session on Thursday, May 1.
Federal Legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens
Starting with this month, the One Feather will provide legislative updates on various pieces of federal legislation of interest to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
10 Years of Cherokee Choices Stress & Healing Arts Retreat
Cherokee Choices just celebrated their 10th Anniversary of the Stress & Healing Arts Retreat (SHAR), a wellness retreat that ran from 2006 to 2011, and started back up in 2015 to now. This year’s two-day retreat, held on March 19 and 20, featured several workshops and sessions to promote healing and wellness for the Cherokee community.
Senior Spotlight: Nevayah Panther
Nevayah Panther is a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) and Kolanvyi (Big Cove). She is the daughter of Jennifer Wildcatt and Deino Panther.
Wasdi Iga (Ramp Day) with the U.S. National Forest Service
On Thursday, March 27, the United States National Forest extended an exciting invitation to forage ramps at Standing Indian, located just beyond Franklin, N.C. The elders, eager to embrace this opportunity, quickly signed up.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Cracked Pot
God has given each of us a talent or gift to be used for His Glory. It comes with a lifetime warranty to be used for as long as we are valuable to Him. (His Word says we are so valuable to Him that He gave His only Son to die for us.)
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Dog Bones
Each Wednesday morning, an eclectic group of men meets for prayer, devotion, breakfast, and fellowship. Our mix of devotees have been or currently are preachers, teachers, deacons, or church leaders.
THE GOOD STUFF: Beloved Woman is a fierce language warrior
I take a lot of photographs, but one of my favorites from the past few years shows an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) at the Annual Cherokee Speakers Walk.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
ON THE SIDELINES: It’s the celebrating that makes sports special
Sports provide a great time of celebration. It is that raw emotion that I love about sports, and it is 100 percent what I love about sports photography.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
James Robert “Poat” Squirrell
James Robert “Poat” Squirrell was called to his eternal rest on March 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. A devoted family man, loyal friend, and respected member of his community, Poat touched the lives of many with his warm heart, generous spirit, and his infectious smile.
OBITUARY: John Joseph Long
John Joseph Long, 71, passed away at Mission Hospital on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was the son of the late Posey Long and Bessie (Catolster) Long.
OBITUARY: Julie Anne Smith
Julie Anne Smith, born on Oct. 21, 1967, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, Julie was a lifelong resident of Cherokee.
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
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.
Thompson recognized by First Peoples Fund for artistic excellence
Mary Welch Thompson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from the Big Cove Community, has been selected to receive a prestigious art award. She is one of four recipients in Indian Country to receive the 2023 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award given by the First Peoples Fund.
Dracula returns to Cherokee
“Last year we built it, and I feel like this year we’re crafting it,” said Bailey Frankenberg, who plays Lucy Westerna in “Dracula: The Failings of Men”.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm