NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Groups seeking federal acknowledgement as an Indian Tribe
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.
Cannabis adult-use sales are two years in and continuing to thrive
The two-year anniversary of legal adult-use cannabis sales on the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is approaching.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 25)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Sculpture by Cherokee Nation citizen added to N.C. Arboretum’s collection
“Sacred Earth” by Cherokee Nation sculptor Karen Sixkiller features a larger-than-life water beetle perched on a large, faceted form and can now be seen along the walkways of the Stream Garden.
Culture in clay: Didanisisgi Gadagwatli (Mud Daubers) Pottery Exhibit opens
Beauty and incredible artistry were on display as this year’s Didanisisgi Gadagwatli (Mud Daubers) Pottery Exhibit opened at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Friday, June 5.
“Kituwah is our home”: 30th Annual Kituwah Celebration held
Thirty years ago, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) purchased Kituwah – the Mother Town of the Cherokee – marking the return of the sacred site to the Tribe. The 30th Annual Kituwah Celebration, held in recognition of that important event in EBCI history, was held at the site on Saturday, June 6.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Madison Hye Long inspires with photography and language
When Long picks up her camera, it is as though she is picking up a paint brush – art comes through time after time and timeless art is created.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Surprise! Part 1 of 2
This concept may never have occurred to you or those who hear this. It might even be a paradigm shift for some people to realize that God is good to them.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Small Beginnings, Part 2 of 2
Consider other Biblical references to small but powerful things. In the book of James, he writes about the bit in a horse’s mouth that controls a large animal and the small rudder that steers a large ship, and in verse five, he writes, “So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!” James 3:5
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tribal member to be inducted into North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame
Rebecca Wolfe Damas, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is a member of the Class of 2025 inductees into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF). She will be officially inducted during a ceremony on June 7 in Green Bay, Wisc. at the Onedia Conference Center.
Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team members place at Fall Tournament
Members of the Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team placed at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Fall Tournament held recently in Charlotte, N.C.
Cherokee Recreation Youth Wrestling Program will begin in March
Starting in March, Cherokee Recreation will launch a new youth wrestling program. Casey Reagan, from Smokey Mountain Judo, will be heading up the program with help from his family, including his sister, Erin Reagan Kirkland, from Cherokee Central Schools.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lillie Mae George Larch
Lillie Mae George Larch, 88, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Tsali Care Center, surrounded by her children.
OBITUARY: Jean Marie (Derry) Curren
Jean Marie (Derry) Curren was born July 1, 1932 to Albert and Irene Derry and raised in Newtown, Pa. After a long battle with illness, she fell asleep in death peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the age of 93, in Sylva, N.C.
OBITUARY: Lewis Hamilton Harding, Sr.
Commander Lewis Hamilton Harding, Sr., age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2026, in his beloved hometown of Cherokee, N.C.
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
Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theater presents “The Addams Family”
The Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Musical Theater performed “The Addams Family: School Edition” on the evenings of May 9-11. The play was packed with the classic Addams Family characters, spooky ancestors, and Cherokee humor.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm