NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Catawba Nation becomes North Carolina’s ninth state-recognized tribe
The Catawba Nation, a federally recognized tribe based in Rock Hill, S.C., has become the ninth state-recognized tribe in the State of North Carolina. The approval came from the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs on Friday, June 5.
This week in Native News
This week in Native News
“Unified Minds Bring Harmony”: EBCI hosts National NAIWA Conference
Women from around Indian Country gathered at the recent 54th Annual NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association) Conference to share ideas and culture.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Swimmer named One Feather Student of the Year
Brooklyn Brown, Cherokee One Feather Editorial Board chairperson, presented the 2026 Cherokee One Feather Student of the Year Award to Dvdaya Swimmer during the Reports to Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on the morning of Wednesday, June 3, at the Cherokee Council House in Cherokee, N.C.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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
Ask a Therapist: The Psychology of Pet Loss
There is a kind of grief that people often underestimate until they experience it themselves: losing a pet.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Three in a row: Lady Braves make history with third consecutive state basketball championship
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) are the 2025-2026 NCHSAA 2A State Champions. The Lady Braves dominated the state game, earning their third state title in a row with the largest winning margin in NCHSAA history for women’s basketball on the evening of Thursday, March 12 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
EBCI wrestlers compete at State; Cherokee High School tallies two State placers
Pippa Welch (women’s 152, third place) and Levi Tramper (HWT, fourth place) from Cherokee High School, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), competed in the 2026 NCHSAA State Championship Tournament held Feb. 19 to Feb. 22 in Greensboro Coliseum.
ON THE SIDELINES: A wrestler’s code for life
Wrestling is special. It’s ancient, it’s biblical, it’s unlike any other sport in the world, but it can help you be better in every other sport.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Shauna Conseen-Teesatuskie
Shauna Conseen-Teesatuskie, 48, of the Yellow Hill Community, Cherokee, N.C., unexpectedly passed away at Cherokee Hospital on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
OBITUARY: Victor Dwayne Wildcatt
Victor was 58 years of age when he made his journey to Heaven to be with the almighty God. He was born and raised in Cherokee, N.C. and resided in the Wolftown Community
OBITUARY: Justin Patrick Adams
Justin Patrick Adams, age 45, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Greenville, S.C., to Bryan Adams and the late Pamela Conseen Adams.
HAPPENINGS
Museum of the Cherokee Indian to host Community Writers’ Workshop Series
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) has announced the Confluence: An Indigenous Writers’ Workshop, an opportunity offered to citizens of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians throughout 2023.
“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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama returns for 76th Anniversary Season
The beloved outdoor drama, “Unto These Hills”, is set to captivate audiences once again as it opens its 76th Anniversary Season on Saturday, May 30. For three-quarters of a century, this powerful production has brought the rich and complex history of the Cherokee to life under the stars at Mountainside Theatre.
Blythe-Lewis continuing father’s work as Vision Maker Media celebrates 50 years
For the past 50 years, Native American filmmakers have had their visions seen and voices heard through an organization now known as Vision Maker Media.
EBCI members to star in production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars”
Ashlie Blaske and Steve Wood are both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) starring in a production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars,” written by Tlingit actor Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, presented by Sky Bear Media and directed by Nez Perce actor Josephine Keefe, at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Wash.
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