NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Chief’s Report – March
I want to share an update on the work we’ve been focused on throughout March.
EBCI among tribal communities to receive Indian Housing Block Grant funding
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is among the tribal communities to receive funding in a recent announcement of $1.1 billion in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
CCS School Board holds April meetings
The School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) met on Monday, Apr. 7, and Monday, Apr. 20, in the Central Office Board Room. The Apr. 20 meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jennifer Thompson at 5:33 p.m.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Dr. Lisa Lefler named Honorary Member of EBCI
On the morning of Thursday, Feb. 5, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) voted unanimously to name Dr. Lisa Lefler an Honorary Member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Dementia Prevention
Did you know food choices can preserve your brain function?
Indigenous Poetry Anthology seeking EBCI writers
Work is currently being solicited for a new contemporary Indigenous poetry anthology from the Wesleyan University Press, and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are being encouraged to submit their work for consideration.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Cracked Pot
How often do you hear from those around you, “What can I do?” with the tenor of failure? Your choice to motivate others in service suggests we change these exact words into a tenor of service – “What can I do for God?”
COMMENTARY: Whatever we do, we should do with gusto
We have experienced the resulting apathy within our own community. When someone advocates for change, there will always be those who hang their Eeyore-like heads and say, “Oh, bother. They are bringing this up again. Don’t they know it will never work?” or “Why are they trying this?
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Cats vs. Dogs, Part 2 of 2
When they both learn that strange animals are not their friends, cats become dog haters, and dogs become cat haters
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
The Tsalagi Cougars are going for gold
The Tsalagi Cougars are the regional cheer group competing in the North Carolina Senior Games. Beginning last year and earning a second-place medal, the team, representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has grown in numbers and excitement, gunning for first place at the 2024 Senior Games happening in Raleigh Sept. 16-22.
ON THE SIDELINES: The will to win
Covering Lady Braves Volleyball was one of my very first beats when I began as a reporter with the One Feather in October 2023.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Rebecca Hillane Lambert
Rebecca Hillane Lambert, age 69, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Born on May 26, 1956, to Hilliard and Thadress Green Sneed.
OBITUARY: James “Matt” Barnes
James “Matt” Barnes, 68, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation.
OBITUARY: Dawn “Sissy” West
Dawn “Sissy” West, a diehard Duke fan, 50, of Cherokee, started her new life on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Paul “Buck” West and Mary Jackson West.
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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