NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
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.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (April 21)
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.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI tribal members try a week off social media
The One Feather sought several members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) who were willing to try a week off of social media and report back with their findings. Below are our respondents:
Sharing knowledge: EBCI attendees give presentation on New Zealand trip
Indigenous educators from throughout the world gathered in Auckland, New Zealand last fall for the 2025 WIPCE (World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education), and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was well represented.
Cherokee Historical Association moves to co-directorship, names new executive leaders
Local nonprofit organization, Cherokee Historical Association, has moved to a co-director leadership structure. After the departure of the previous executive director in 2023, the Board of Directors installed an interim executive management team.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: The Dead Zone – Why Billie Eilish is right about “Stolen Land”
History is not a ghost. It is a neighbor. It lives in the 38 tribal nations headquartered here in Oklahoma and in the ancestral homelands of the 574 sovereign nations across Indian Country.
Ask a Therapist – How to use social media in a healthier way: Scrolling with intention
This is not an article that is going to tell you how social media is the downfall of humanity and the only escape is going off grid. Social media isn’t going anywhere.
THE GOOD STUFF: Ugvwiyuhi Dugan inspires with strength and compassion
Joyce Dugan, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is a visionary leader who inspires with her strength and compassion.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Sports teaches teamwork and unity
Prior to the kickoff of the season opener for the Cherokee Braves, seniors Brandon Santiago and Luke Smith, walked, arms locked, to the center of the field for the coin toss.
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s all be more like Will this year
The very first On the Sidelines sports column I wrote many years ago was about Will Poolaw and his dedication to Cherokee Central Schools. As I was selecting a photograph for this week’s Braves Gameday graphic (Cherokee at Smoky Mtn.), I came across a shot I took of Will last season.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee opens season at Hayesville; CHS and CMS Lady Braves win
The Cherokee Central Schools cross country teams started off their 2024 season at Hayesville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 21, and both the Cherokee High School (CHS) and Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves won the team event in their division.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY: Gary French
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother, and friend, Gary French, who began his next journey on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for July 26-28
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 Wow for July 18-21
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 July 12-14
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
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.
Learning lessons from the clay; Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opens at Museum
The artistry and beauty of Cherokee pottery was on display at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian as the Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opened on the evening of Friday, April 14. The exhibit featured the works of students from a Community Learning Workshop, hosted by the Museum, which was taught by Tara McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and noted potter.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm