NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Qualla Boundary Public Library successfully completes makerspace planning grant through Cherokee Preservation Foundation support
The Qualla Boundary Public Library has announced the successful completion of a $15,000 planning grant provided by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation in support of the development of a community-centered makerspace at the library.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute awarded grants from Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) has announced it has been awarded a grant of $268,160 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to support administrative costs associated with managing and overseeing its culturally based leadership programs.
COMMENTARY: Is there a passion for a tribal constitution?
For decades, the tribe has given lip service to the idea of a constitution for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Members of the community have advocated. They have assembled. They have planned.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI students co-chair powwow at UNC
Roxi Bark, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), valedictorian of Cherokee High School Class of 2024, and a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), co-chaired the annual Carolina Indian Circle Powwow at UNC on Saturday, March 7, in Woollen Gym, with co-chair and UNC sophomore Isabella Garcia, who is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and a descendant of the EBCI raised in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown). Garcia is a graduate of Swain Co. High School.
A passion for politics: Grayson Mathis’ extraordinary collection of political signatures
Grayson Mathis is a 13-year-old member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) attending North Carolina Cyber Academy. He has a passion for politics and history, and he has begun a massive project of collecting signatures from politicians, and some celebrities, amassing nearly a hundred in a little over a year.
Georgia’s Maxwell Guo wins gold in record-breaking World Series of Poker Main Event at Harrah’s Cherokee
The World Series of Poker (WSOP), the world’s most prestigious brand in poker, awarded $9.7 million during its most recent Circuit tour stop at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in western North Carolina, which ran Feb. 12-23. And the largest payday of all was secured by tournament rookie Maxwell Guo, took took down the Main Event for over $380,000.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Community member has concerns over legislation review process
A few months ago, several of our elders approached me and asked whether there was a way to provide a small amount of additional assistance to help offset rising fuel and heating costs.
COMMENTARY: Actions should be louder than words, or genealogy
When we started researching the banishment list over a decade ago, the exclusion power outlined in the Code (the Cherokee Code) was being used, but a couple of the directives in it were not being followed.
February report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of February. I want to begin by publicly expressing my appreciation for the collective effort shown by our Tribal programs in both the preparation for and response to the recent snowstorm on the Boundary. As always, my report follows the standard format below.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
JV FOOTBALL: Braves win 28-18 at Hayesville
The Cherokee JV Braves traveled to Hayesville on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 19 and came away with a 28-18 victory over the JV Yellow Jackets.
ON THE SIDELINES: Check out the Cherokee Skate Jam
Aaron Ira Smart soared into the air, grabbed his board, and did a keen trick mid-air between rounds at an annual event that astounds me each year. Smart, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation with heritage from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) as well, did this at last year’s Cherokee Skate Jam.
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves keep rolling with win at Murphy
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves continued their winning ways with a team victory at a meet in Murphy, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The team won with a score of 30 followed by Murphy with 62.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Rick Bradley
On Thursday March 12, 2026, we lost a legend in his own right. Rick Bradley passed away in Trinity Alabama where he has resided for the last 15+ years.
OBITUARY: Kellie Ann Bridgeman
Kellie Ann Bridgeman, born on Sept. 7, 1976, in Haywood County, N.C., passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Kellie’s life was defined by her deep love for her family, friends, and the animals she cherished.
OBITUARY: Lola Owl Blankenship
Lola Owl Blankenship, age 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. She was born on June 5, 1960, in Toombs County, Ga., and spent most of her life in Cherokee, N.C., where she built a life centered on family, friendship, and laughter.
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
Mother and daughter’s unique passion and flare for fashion
On the evening of Saturday, Nov. 4, Ayosta Lossie, a junior at Cherokee High School, presented her first collection in the 2023 Kananesgi Fashion Show, becoming the youngest designer to enter the show.
Kananesgi Fashion Show and Art Competition announces winners
Following yet another stunning display of Cherokee designs, the Kananesgi Fashion Show and Art Competition organizers announced the list of artists and makers earning top prizes.
“This Land Calls Us Home”: EBCI artists included in exhibit at Atlanta airport
An art exhibit, featuring the work of Native American artists of various Southeastern tribes, is set to open next month. “This Land Calls Us Home” exhibit will be displayed at the T North Concourse at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport starting Nov. 6.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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