NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Terri Henry appointed as Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief)
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks has appointed Terri Henry as the new Government Liaison for the Office of the Ugvwiyuhi, bringing her extensive experience in tribal governance, advocacy, and policy to this critical role. As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) faces political challenges, including the Lumbee group’s push for federal recognition – Henry’s experience in sovereignty, legal reform, and government relations will help keep the EBCI’s interests front and center.
Bill to place Tennessee lands into trust for EBCI passes House
A bill (H.R. 226) that would place 76 acres of land, containing several Cherokee historic sites in eastern Tennessee, in trust for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tribe breaks ground on new housing development in Wayohi
The EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Division of Housing broke ground on a new development in Wayohi (Wolftown) on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 5.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Thompson and CIHA Physical Therapy Department named 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award recipient
Jennifer Thompson, DPT, CLT, physical therapy manager at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), and the CIHA Physical Therapy Department were named the winner of the 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award.
EBCI selects its 2025 Remember the Removal ride candidates
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has selected six tribal members to join riders from the Cherokee Nation in June 2025 on the annual Remember the Removal Ride (RTR). The ride will retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears.
WCU alumna records 100,000th person into craftsman database
Isabel Driver knows how important the work she does is. As an intern with the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University, Driver etched 224 craftspeople into the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts’ craftsman database.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lumbee should follow the OFA process
There is already an established, evidence-based process for a group to become Federally recognized as a ‘tribe”.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Bill Taylor for Painttown Tribal Council
I am taking the opportunity to continue my life’s work to build our community and serve our Cherokee citizens. On Jan. 9, I resigned from my position to pursue this exciting chapter of continued service to you and this sacred community.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Run away!
How many famous Christians have you been shocked to learn fell into infamous sin?
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
OBITUARY: Justice Dara Taylor
Justice Dara Taylor, 27, of Cherokee, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Justice was born Aug. 28, 1997, to the late Lehua Joan Walkingstick and Darrell “Dragon” Taylor.
OBITUARY: Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith
Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith, 69, peacefully entered into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Born on Jan. 17, 1956, in Cherokee, N.C., Joy was the beloved daughter of the late Ronald L. and Roberta Joan Allison.
OBITUARY: Kristin Marie Lane
Kristin Marie Lane, age 40, of the Big Witch Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Park Ridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
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
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”.
“Disruption” shakes up Museum of the Cherokee Indian exhibit
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is switching gears on its permanent exhibit and taking funerary and ceremonial objects off display. Taking these items off display created holes in the exhibit which have been filled with contemporary Cherokee art pieces.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
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