NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Wilnoty convicted of decade-long child sex abuse
On July 31 in Cherokee Court, with Judge Barbara Parker presiding, Bernard David Wilnoty plead guilty to two counts of abusive sexual contact, one count of aggravated sexual abuse, with one count of assault on a child and solicitation dismissed with the plea.
Lumbee recognition included in House-approved FY26 NDAA bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3838 (National Defense Authorization Act FY26) last week which included a tack-on of the Lumbee Fairness Act which would grant full federal acknowledgement to the state-recognized group known as the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
“What a blessing”: Kuwohi Celebration marks one-year anniversary of name restoration
The sun peeked through the moving clouds and fog covered the mountain peaks at Kuwohi (Mulberry Place) on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 for a special event. Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and friends gathered at the site to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the restoration of the name of the area to its original Cherokee name, Kuwohi.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Senior Citizens participate in National Elder Abuse Awareness Walk
The Cherokee Senior Citizens Program, in collaboration with community members, participated in a nationwide Elder Abuse Awareness Walk recently, joining thousands across the country to bring attention to a serious and often overlooked issue: the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
EBCI Tribal Option promotes healthy vision this July
July is recognized as Healthy Vision Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
An amazing journey: Keredith “Tooter” Owens has traveled the world dancing, sharing culture
Sitting at a table in the Qualla Boundary Public Library, Keredith “Tooter” Owens looks over a pile of her photographs documenting her career as a fancy shawl dancer at pow wows.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Katelynn Ledford-McCoy keeps running and inspiring
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is a light and source of inspiration in the Cherokee community. She was recently chosen to be on the Native Women Run (NWR) team for the Chicago Marathon set for Sunday, Oct. 12.
COMMENTARY: Ethically speaking
We now have our slate of candidates for the general election of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Out of 24 who will be on the ballot in September for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), 41.7 percent or 11 candidates are attempting to retain their seats.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the light (Part 2 of 2)
Friends… Isn’t it great when you know you have a faithful friend?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: CMS travels to meet at Swain
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track team traveled to a multi-school meet held at Swain Co. High School on the afternoon of Monday, April 15.
SPORTS COMMENTARY: Lady Braves join the women’s basketball revolution
The University of South Carolina (USC) 87-75 victory over the University of Iowa in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women’s National Basketball Championship was the most watched basketball game – professional or collegiate, men’s or women’s – since the 2019 NCAA Men’s National Championship University of Virginia victory over Texas Tech University averaging 19.6 million viewers.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee Middle participates in meet at Murphy
The Cherokee Middle School track and field team participated in a three-school meet hosted by Murphy Middle School at the Murphy High School track on the afternoon of Monday, April 1.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Charles Asa James
Charles Asa James, 53, passed away July 3, 2025. He was born July 24, 1971 in Andrews, N.C. He is the son of the late Kenneth Wayne James Sr. of Marble, N.C., and Stella Louise Carver James of Bryson City, N.C.
OBITUARY: Yahnie Ann Littlejohn Squirrel
Yahnie Ann Littlejohn Squirrel, 78, of Cherokee, opened her eyes in Heaven on Sunday, July 6, 2025. She was a native of Cherokee born on Dec. 7, 1946 to Owen and Agnes Bigwitch Long Littlejohn.
OBITUARY: Daphne Carol Blount
Daphne Carol Blount, age 51 of Murphy, entered the glories of peace that passes all understanding and imagination at home on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with her loving family. Although she is no longer with us in her earthly body, her spirit lives on and she will forever be loved, remembered and cherished by her family and friends.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 8-11
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. 105th Annual Meskwaki Pow Wow. Aug. 8-11...
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum to observe Sequoyah Remembrance Day
The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore will observe Sequoyah Remembrance Day Sunday, Aug. 4 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission to the Museum.
Park to host African American History Open House discussions
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to two open house events concerning the history of African Americans within and around the Park.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CHA cancels spring run of “Alice”
“Alice in Wonderland” will not be returning to the Mountainside Theatre in 2023.
Friends leading Cherokee copper work revitalization
Up a winding mountain road by a beautiful stream, just past the campus of Western Carolina University, is a metalworking shop where three men are practicing an art that has been done by Cherokee people in these mountains for thousands of years.
Thompson recognized by First Peoples Fund for artistic excellence
Mary Welch Thompson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from the Big Cove Community, has been selected to receive a prestigious art award. She is one of four recipients in Indian Country to receive the 2023 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award given by the First Peoples Fund.
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