NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
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.
Cherokee Court releases Administrative Order adopting guide for attorney’s fees in criminal cases
On June 16, the Cherokee Court of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBC) released an Administrative Order, effective July 1, for “Reimbursement of Attorney’s Fees For Appointed Counsel in Criminal Cases,” signed by Bradley Letts, Chief Justice of the Cherokee Supreme Court; Monty Beck, Chief Judge of Cherokee Court; and Barbara Parker, Associate Judge of Cherokee Court
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Logo designed to honor Cherokee Code Talkers
“The language we were forbidden to speak is the same language that helped save the United States of America”
CIHA’s new Occupational Therapy Services provides access to care for patients with Arthritis
May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, bringing attention to one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting adults in the United States. For many, arthritis can make everyday activities – like getting dressed, cooking, or even holding a cup – more difficult and sometimes painful. While there is no cure, there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain independence, and one important resource is Occupational Therapy (OT).
SCC recognizes Ugvwiyuhi Hicks for Distinguished Alumni Award
Michell Hicks, Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been named the recipient of Southwestern Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: “Strengthen Our Tribal Communities Act” is unfair to the EBCI
If a new North Carolina state house bill passes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) would be sharing a portion of its gaming revenues with various state-recognized groups and organizations including the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The basic premise is ludicrous, but read on.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call – Part Two
Everyone can identify and know what you are talking about with these statements. These examples are universal life experiences.
COMMENTARY: A tribal radio station would improve the safety of our community
Why don’t we have a tribal radio station? AM and FM radio are ultimately portable. Access to this type of one-way communication can be had with a second-hand, two-dollar transistor radio from the thrift store (the two AA batteries needed to power a radio cost more than the radio itself).
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts Smoky Mountain Conference championship
Cherokee High School (CHS) played host to the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) track and field championship on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 1.
Ward signs to play basketball, volleyball at Johnson & Wales
Loshi Ward, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), will be a two-sport athlete at the next level.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Alma Panther Johns
Alma Panther Johns, 84, of the Big Cove Community, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 8, 2025. A native of Cherokee she was the daughter of the late Samuel Panther and Emaline Sequoyah.
OBITUARY: Barbara J. Robie
Barbara J. Robie, 77, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 6, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Mary Queen Jackson.
OBITUARY: Ernest D. Panther
Ernest D. Panther better known as “Ernie”, age 90, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 after an extended illness. He is the son of the late Sam Panther and Emmaline Sequoyah.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Sept. 6-8
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.
Cherokee Heritage Center hosting cultural activities during 67th Cherokee National Holiday
Immerse yourself in Cherokee culture at the Cherokee Heritage Center during the 67th annual Cherokee National Holiday this Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1.
Parker to provide annual public lecture in native health at WCU
Barbara “Sunshine” Parker, human services director for the Public Health and Human Services Division of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will provide the annual public lecture in native health at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Western Carolina University.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm