NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Groups seeking federal acknowledgement as an Indian Tribe (September 2026 update)
Each month, the One Feather will give an update on the various groups seeking federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe either through Congressional means or by going through the OFA (Office of Federal Acknowledgment) process.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 22)
The One Feather provides 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.
CIPD Arrest Report for Sept. 14-20, 2026
The following people were arrested by the Cherokee Indian Police Department and booked into the Anthony Edward Lossiah Justice Center. It should be noted that the following defendants have only been charged with the crimes listed and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
The Way We See The World returns for its fifth year
The Way We See The World, presented by the Museum of the Cherokee People, is back for its fifth year and will be held on Friday, Aug. 7 in the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ ᏕᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᏚᎾᏛᏁᎴᎢ ᏗᏓᏃᎮᏍᎪᎢ – Cherokees in the Revolutionary War – July 1776
Founding fathers plan genocide and removal for the Cherokees. Two nations fight against each other – both seeking freedom. Cherokees go to war. Family betrays family. It’s July 1776 in the Cherokee homeland.
EBCI Tribal Option celebrates Five-Year Anniversary with Community Teddy Bear Clinic
EBCI Tribal Option will celebrate five years of caring for members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) with a free, family-centered Teddy Bear Clinic on Friday, July 31 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Welch Top Conference Room at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority. As of today, 5,459 members are enrolled and currently being served by EBCI Tribal Option.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby brings families together
Each year, several thousand people who understand the important things in life – mainly time with family – gather for the annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The Old, Old Story. Part 2 of 2
I often sang this song in church during my youth.
THE GOOD STUFF: Mary Crowe advocates for her people with dedication and determination
Mary “Missy” Crowe has always been an advocate for her people and works daily and nightly to make sure that a Cherokee voice is always heard. It’s been an honor to know her for three decades now, and to have been to see her work and dedication is inspiring.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SOCCER: Blythe-Ramos signs with Shaw University
Lillian Blythe-Ramos will trade the maroon and gold of Cherokee High School (CHS) for the same colors at the next level. She signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer with Shaw University, located in Raleigh, N.C., during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, March 18.
Cherokee dominates All-District selections
Three of the five selections for the NCBCA (North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association) Women’s All-District 12 selections are from Cherokee High School.
BASKETBALL: TWO IN A ROW FOR CHEROKEE
For the second year in a row, the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) lifted the 1A Women’s Basketball Championship trophy. In doing so, they made school history by being the only team from Cherokee High School to win back-to-back state titles.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Celia Ann Smith (Cec)
Celia Ann Smith (Cec), 35, of Cherokee, went home to be with her dad Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of Kim Jackson of Cherokee and the late James Edward Smith.
OBITUARY: Brandon (Smalls) Kyle Sampson
Brandon (Smalls) Kyle Sampson, 29, of the Birdtown Community, crossed over to be his with Dad on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.
OBITUARY: Darrell Wayne Pyle
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Darrell Wayne Pyle, age 66.
HAPPENINGS
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.
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“The Way We Connect with the World:” A Night for Indigenous Filmmaking
The Museum of the Cherokee People hosted their annual Indigenous film screening, “The Way We Connect with the World,” on the evening of Friday, Aug. 2 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Cherokee Historical Association and the Center for Cultural Preservation to host Cherokee cultural event and film screening
Cherokee Historical Association has partnered with the Center for Cultural Preservation to screen “Nature’s Wisdom Thru Native Eyes”, by award winning documentary filmmaker David Weintraub.
CCS Student Art Show Award recipients
Cherokee Middle School (CMS) and Cherokee High School (CHS) held their Student Art Show on the Night of the Arts at Cherokee Central Schools on Thursday, May 9.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm