NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
CIPD traffic stop leads to Fentanyl seizure and multi-agency investigation
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, Community Response Officers (CRO) with the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) conducted a traffic stop in the vicinity of Cherokee United Methodist Church, within the boundaries of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Dedicated service: VOC Building named for Kimlyn Sneed Lambert
Some of the hardest working employees on the Qualla Boundary work in a building that now bears the name of a woman who dedicated her career to them. The building housing the Vocational Opportunities of Cherokee, Inc. (VOC) has been named the Kimlyn Sneed Lambert Vocational Rehab Center.
Ordinances adding to criminal code introduced into Dinilawigi (Tribal Council)
Several ordinances dealing with adding crimes to the Cherokee Code of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) were deemed read and tabled during the Monday, Oct. 13 session of Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Woodcarving Club starts up in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) member, carver and art collector Driver Blythe has started a biweekly woodcarving club at the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Building with renowned Cherokee carvers Davy Arch and Dewey Owle.
“A sacred space”: Kuwohi Connection Day held to educate students
The low-hanging clouds, mostly blue skies, and brisk temperature made for a magical morning as area students attended Kuwohi Connection Day at Kuwohi (Mulberry Place) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 9.
WCU–CIHA partnership grows Cherokee’s next generation of healers
In the midst of ongoing staffing challenges across the healthcare industry, the innovative partnership between Western Carolina University (WCU) and the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is doing exactly what a great pipeline should do – it matches local talent with meaningful careers close to home, expands continuing education opportunities, and opens career-ladder pathways for enrolled members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
OPINION: Statement from Qualla Boundary MMIW on former Sheriff Cochran
We stand in solidarity with survivors and families as former Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran faces charges of rape and sexual assault. Our community gathers in peaceful protest because silence is not an option.
COMMENTARY: What happens next – Remembering Sept. 25, 2024
Many of you are aware that last year, on Sept. 25, Hurricane Helene made its presence felt in the mountains of western North Carolina. Many said that they had never seen anything like it.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Control yourself, Part 2 of 2
If you give thought to evil and sin in that dark, dirty place you call your mind, that’s where Satan finds fertile soil to provide action in making you sin. That’s right, and who do you think sows those seeds?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Over 500 anglers compete in Qualla Country Fish Tournament
A total of 518 anglers registered for the Qualla Country Fish Tournament held in Cherokee, N.C. on Aug. 24-25. In all, 86 of those anglers redeemed a total of 155 tags for a total of $12,425 in cash prizes being distributed.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee
Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee, 65, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Jean Wahnetah Bernhisel.
OBITUARY: Riley Ledford
Riley Ledford, 82, of the Birdtown Community, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Moses and Cordelia Murphy Ledford.
OBITUARY: Brandon Cruze Daniel “B”
Brandon Cruze Daniel “B” passed away peacefully at his residence in Cherokee, N.C. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. He was the son of the late Myranda Ann Daniel.
HAPPENINGS
Park to host Mountain Life Festival
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual Mountain Life Festival near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the Mountain Farm Museum on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience traditional fall harvest activities on the farm including hearth cooking, apple butter making, blacksmithing, lye soap making, and food preservation. All activities are free and open to the public.
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Journey to the Land of the Dead at “Coco Live-to-Film Concert” hosted at Bardo Arts Center
Bardo Arts Center is excited to sing with its audience “Un Poco Loco” at the upcoming show “Coco Live-to-Film Concert” on Oct. 23 and 24.
Museum receives grant for welcome signs to Cultural District
A grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation will provide for two artistic welcome signs to be installed designating the Cherokee Cultural District on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.).
WCU to open exhibition “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson”
This August, the WCU (Western Carolina University) Fine Art Museum opens the exhibition “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson”, featuring over 140 works of contemporary Native American art from the collection of one of western North Carolina’s most notable art enthusiasts.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm