NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI Government Explained: Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) meetings
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is established in the EBCI Charter and Governing Document. Laws regarding its meetings can be found throughout the Charter and Governing Document as well as Cherokee Code.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tables resolution regarding weighted vote
The weighted vote used by the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has been in place since 2001. Dinilawigi tabled a resolution during an Annual Council session on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 that seeks to evaluate the numbers based on a 2023 tribal census.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Hyatt returns to his roots as Mainspring’s new executive director
When Sylva resident Jeremy Hyatt looks across the landscape of western North Carolina, he doesn’t just see beautiful scenery — he sees his childhood.
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.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Wilbur Paul serves community with a dedicated spirit and a smile
Wilbur Paul is a staple at events in Cherokee and has worked for decades serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) community.
COMMENTARY: Breast Cancer Awareness starts with access and compassion
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for me, it’s more than just a pink ribbon or a reminder to schedule your annual mammogram.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Division, Part 1 of 2
Division within the Christian community can be devastating.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee opens season at Hayesville; CHS and CMS Lady Braves win
The Cherokee Central Schools cross country teams started off their 2024 season at Hayesville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 21, and both the Cherokee High School (CHS) and Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves won the team event in their division.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Ralph Eugene Christie Sr.
Ralph Eugene Christie Sr., 89, of Salisbury, N.C., passed away Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
OBITUARY: Charles “Charlie” William Bigwitch (Tsali)
Charles “Charlie” William Bigwitch (Tsali), 67, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Fred and Eva Bigwitch.
OBITUARY: Nicholas Donald Briggs III
Nicholas Donald Briggs III, 81 of Whittier, N.C., passed away to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
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 Comicon prepares for opening weekend
Starting Friday, Aug. 23, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will be hosting its first Cherokee Legends Comicon at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Asheville Symphony to hold Educational Concert at Harrah’s Cherokee Center
On Friday, May 19, Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools’ fifth graders will have the opportunity to travel to hear world-renowned banjo player Béla Fleck play alongside members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra at no cost. These two consecutive shows, dubbed the “Young People’s Concerts” are free for fifth graders from those two public school systems and are $5 for all other tickets. They will take place at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center’s Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Cherokee Musical Theatre to present “Sister Act”
The comedic antics of Deloris Van Cartier will come to life this spring in the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center as the Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theatre program presents “Sister Act”. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Learning lessons from the clay; Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opens at Museum
The artistry and beauty of Cherokee pottery was on display at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian as the Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opened on the evening of Friday, April 14. The exhibit featured the works of students from a Community Learning Workshop, hosted by the Museum, which was taught by Tara McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and noted potter.
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