NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Senate passes resolution recognizing National Native American Heritage Month
The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan Senate resolution on Wednesday, Nov. 19, led by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), the vice chairman, recognizing November 2025 as National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the enduring cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Resolution seeks to halt constitution opinion referendum
During an Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on Oct. 21, legislation was passed that approved a referendum regarding opinions on the future of the work being done on a constitution for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Mary Crowe, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from Elawodi (Yellowhill), has now submitted a resolution asking that Dinilawigi rescind the legislation approving the referendum.
Ceremonial Grounds project about to start
The structures at the Ceremonial Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. were demolished several years ago, and the property has sat idle since. That is all about to change.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Talehvga!”: Walelu’s Daryl Martin
Daryl Martin, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Walelu (Hummingbirds) Anetso (Stickball) team. Martin is the supply manager for Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.
A player’s responsibility: Wayohi’s Cory Junaluska
Cory Junaluska, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Wayohi (Wolftown) Anetso (Stickball) team.
A commitment to culture: Kolanvyi’s Chris Hornbuckle
Chris Hornbuckle, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) from the Kolanvyi (Big Cove) Anetso (Stickball) team. Hornbuckle works for Qualla Housing as a carpenter/crew leader.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: I don’t know why we go to extremes
The federal government has struggled in its roles of negotiation and reparation for the damage done in previous generations through war and failed assimilation strategies.
COMMENTARY: What would be fair?
Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the testimony of Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing concerning Senator Tillis’ bill S.107. You won’t see me doing that much. My personal ethics are that I keep my personal opinions out of the public area when it comes to our politicians, because I feel a moral obligation to be objective in my coverage of our leadership.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WNC citizen concerned about encroachment on press freedom
I write as a concerned citizen of western North Carolina to draw attention to the growing encroachment on press freedom under the current administration, and the implications this has for our local democracy.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: CHS, CMS Lady Braves win at home meet
Cherokee Central Schools hosted a cross country meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 4, and both the Cherokee High School (CHS) and Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves won their team contests.
JV FOOTBALL: Cherokee Braves win double overtime thriller over Rosman
Sports fans got their money’s worth at the JV football game as Cherokee hosted Rosman on Thursday, Aug. 29. Ray Kinsland Stadium erupted as Cherokee’s Wakinyan Raines ran four yards for the go-ahead and eventual winning touchdown in double overtime to lift the Braves 26-20 over the Tigers.
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves win at TCEC Jaguar Jungle Run
The Cherokee Central Schools cross country teams traveled to Murphy, N.C. on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 28 to participate in the TCEC (Tri-County Early College) Jaguar Jungle Run.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Amber Joy McNeilly
Amber Joy McNeilly, 42, of Lenoir, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.
OBITUARY: Sheridan Everett “Sonny” Smith
Sheridan Everett “Sonny” Smith, 76 of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.
OBITUARY: Carly Elizabeth Johnson
Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Her unexpected departure has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her most.
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
The Comedy Zone coming to Harrah’s Cherokee
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, will welcome The Comedy Zone to its roster of highly acclaimed entertainment venues. Slated to open this summer, The Comedy Zone will host top-notch comedians and some of the hottest stand-up performers on the stage.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm