NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Tribal member fights for access to possessory land
Scott Welch is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown). He is the possessory holder of tribal land on Cooper’s Creek Road that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Qualla Boundary in Swain County.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson explains the function of his office
By BROOKLYN BROWN BIGMEAT One Feather Reporter CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The One Feather interviewed Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, to discuss the function of the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of an ongoing criminal justice...
Editorial Board holds July meeting, discusses A.I. content
The Editorial Board of the Cherokee One Feather held their monthly meeting on the morning of Thursday, July 16 in the Ginger Lynn Welch Poke Salad Room. The meeting was called to order at 10:01a.m.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Smith represents EBCI at United Nations Forum on Indigenous Health
Jasmine Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), made history as the youngest EBCI representative to speak at the recent United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), addressing global leaders on Indigenous health and environmental protection.
Faith Long-Presley becomes first to graduate from all four Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute Programs
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to recognize Faith Long-Presley, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), as the first individual to complete all four leadership programs offered through the Institute’s culturally based leadership learning continuum.
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Just missed Him
A plethora of verses can be found that reveal how all of Israel, except for the disciples and followers of Jesus, discounted Him as Lord.
COMMENTARY: An honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work
I have been in the workforce since 1976, so for about half a century.
Ask a Therapist: “Who’s your People” – Everyone knows me. So, why am I still lonely?
I grew up here. People know me or my family. Everyone is friendly, but no one is actually inviting me to things. I feel lonely, which makes no sense because I’m not new here. What do I do? How do you make friends as an adult, it feels pathetic even asking this?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
VOLLEYBALL: Lady Braves advance to 1A West Regional Championship
For the first time in school history, the Cherokee Lady Braves volleyball team will be competing for the title of NCHSAA 1A West Regional Champions. The (#1) Lady Braves defeated (#5) Cornerstone Charter Academy on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the Charles George Memorial Arena in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 1A State volleyball playoffs, propelling them to the west regional championship in historic fashion.
CROSS COUNTRY: Three CHS runners qualify for state meet
Three Cherokee High School (CHS) runners placed at the 1A West Regional Cross Country championship held at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 26 and have qualified for the 1A State Championship meet. Ogana Swimmer, Dvdaya Swimmer, and Livia Crowe all qualified for the state meet set for Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, N.C.
FOOTBALL: Braves move up in SMC with second consecutive shutout
The Cherokee Braves (5-2) have moved into second place in the Smoky Mountain Conference following their second consecutive shutout in a row. The Braves defeated the Hayesville Yellow Jackets 22-0 at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 and sit in second place in the SMC behind Murphy (7-1).
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Velma Jean McMillan Hemphill
Velma Jean McMillan Hemphill, 82, of the 3200 Acre Tract, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 after a long illness. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Ray and Edna Owle McMillan and wife of the late Henry Hayse Robertson and Charles Hemphill.
OBITUARY: Robyn Michelle Bigmeat
Robyn Michelle Bigmeat, age 54, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at her residence in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Sherry Daniels Pheasant
Sherry Daniels Pheasant, 64, of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee, N.C., passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, after a long battle with cancer.
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
EBCI tribal member takes top honor at Trail of Tears Art Show
The longest-running Native American juried art show and competition in Oklahoma announced its top honors during a special reception on April 5 at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza.
Oconaluftee Indian Village prepares to open for 2024 season
The Oconaluftee Indian Village will open on Tuesday, April 16, for their 2024 season, which will last until Nov. 2.
EBCI members present on mask making at Western Carolina University
On the evening of Thursday, April 11, two Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) members, Davy Arch and Driver Blythe, gave a presentation on the history of Cherokee mask making at the Mountain Heritage Center at Tali Tsisgwayahi (Two Sparrows Place) on the campus of Western Carolina University (WCU).
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm