NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Vending machines are having a positive impact on public health
Just over two years ago, vending machines were installed around tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in an effort to improve access to health and wellness supplies.
Annual Council resolution to reaffirm Resolution 309 (2022) dies on the floor
On the morning of Thursday, Oct. 30, Res. 29 (2025), submitted by Joseph Owle from Wayohi (Wolftown), died on the floor during Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Annual Council. The resolution would have reaffirmed Res. 309 (2022), which passed.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Oct. 28)
The One Feather will now provide 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
WCU–CIHA partnership grows Cherokee’s next generation of healers
In the midst of ongoing staffing challenges across the healthcare industry, the innovative partnership between Western Carolina University (WCU) and the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is doing exactly what a great pipeline should do – it matches local talent with meaningful careers close to home, expands continuing education opportunities, and opens career-ladder pathways for enrolled members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Cherokee Growing Readers Unite for Literacy program begins book garden initiative
During Reports to Council on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 3, Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Superintendent Consuela Girty, Center for Native Health (CNH) Relational Health Program Director and Growing Reader Associate Kristina Hyatt, and Hope Center Director Michele Galloway, presented the Cherokee Growing Readers initiative through Unite for Literacy, which will include book gardens and a community writer’s workshop.
Zachary Fischer wins $324,135 in WSOP Poker Tournament at Harrah’s Cherokee
The world’s most prestigious brand in poker, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), awarded more than $7.5 million across 18 trophy events at its most recent Circuit stop at Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Family appreciative of events in Cherokee
Our family comes to visit several times a year – mostly centered around events you plan.
COMMENTARY: When a man really cares
Jordan Oocumma came to Noquisi Initiative in 2024 wanting to rekindle a broad respect for Noquisiyi.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Discipline
God made us; He knows us better than we know ourselves. The wisdom of God far outweighs the fantasies of those who think you can raise a child to respect their parents and ultimately the authority of God without the knowledge of punishment and the results of one’s actions.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FISHING: Tim Hill Memorial tournament draws over 400 anglers
A total of 407 anglers registered for the Tim Hill Memorial Fish Tournament held in Cherokee, N.C. on July 13-14.
Memorial Day Fish Tournament draws 529 anglers to Cherokee
The 2024 Memorial Day Fish Tournament, hosted by the EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Natural Resources Dept., was held in Cherokee, N.C. on May 25-26.
CHS presents Specialty Athletic Awards
Cherokee High School Athletics presented its specialty awards during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the afternoon of Thursday, May 23.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Thomas Keith Parker
Thomas Keith Parker, “Tom” as he was better known, age 81, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr.
Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr., 67, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, after a long illness. Surrounded by love, he was joyfully reunited with his precious grandson, Kobe Gavin, whom he loved and missed with all his heart.
OBITUARY: Jeremiah Taylor
Jeremiah Taylor, age 63, of the Big Cove Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at his residence after a period of declining health.
HAPPENINGS
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum to hold Cherokee Fall Festival
The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tennessee’s only tribally-owned museum, will host its 28th annual Cherokee Fall Festival on Sept. 7-8 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 23-25
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 16-18
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Gadugi Pottery Exhibit Reception planned
On April 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join students from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI)’s Community Learning pottery class, led by Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), for a reception celebrating “Gadugi Pottery Exhibit,” on view at MCI from April 14 to May 12.
“Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” exhibition on display through May
The exhibition “Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” aims to reinforce the significance of Cherokee masks, their history and use, as well as their meaning and significance.
University of North Carolina Asheville to host “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival
The University of North Carolina Asheville is hosting the “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival and Residency on April 11-14.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm