NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 5)
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.
Man sentenced to 21 years in prison on drug and gun charges
Grey Alan Hester, 50, of Candler, N.C. was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to 21 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority celebrates opening of new Cherokee County Clinic
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), alongside Tribal leadership, community members, and project partners, celebrated the opening of the new Cherokee County Clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Lindley Wyatt brings her culture to the runway
Lindley Wyatt, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is a junior at Western Carolina University (WCU) double majoring in Marketing and Management. Wyatt is also a fashion model signed with a Sante Fe Indigenous modeling agency.
Cherokee Cablevision provides update on Tribal Fiber Project
As Cherokee Cablevision, wholly owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and operated by BalsamWest, continues to make progress on the fiber build across tribal lands, they want to keep residents informed about what’s happening in their communities. This update provides important details about the work underway, and what to expect during construction.
Cherokee Historical Association hires two new staff members to lead new programming initiatives
Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has expanded its full-time administrative staff with the creation of two new roles: Cultural Outreach & Event Specialists. These positions, funded by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, will be responsible for leading new programming initiatives set to launch in 2026.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Happy with Fitness class experience
I want to share my experience with our community in hopes that more of them will take advantage of what I feel is a great opportunity. There is a fitness class being offered at the Fitness Center through the Physical Therapy Department of the Cherokee Indian Hospital...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Museum executive director reflects, looks to the future
In 2021 I was blessed to be selected as the new director of our Museum, and reflecting now, I am so proud of the work the Museum has accomplished. The foundation had been set before my arrival, though, to allow the Museum to begin to focus on our community more fully, and to tell more stories about who we are as Cherokee people today.
December report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of December. November was a very busy month, and I hope each of you enjoyed a restful holiday season with family and friends. As always, my report follows the standard format below.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi play in Coaches vs Cancer event for Natalie Grant
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) played Daniel Boone High School (Tenn.) in the Coaches vs Cancer event held at TC Roberson High School on Saturday, Dec. 13. The team chose to play for (SUIT UP FOR) Natalie Grant. She recently battled cancer and beat it.
Indoor Track & Field: Cherokee participates in Polar Panther Invitational
Cherokee High School’s (CHS) indoor track team participated in the Polar Panther Invitational hosted by Franklin High School at the Macon Middle School Track in Franklin, N.C. on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Indoor Track & Field: Cherokee hosts meet
Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted a polar bear meet on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 9 with three other schools including Andrews, Rosman, and Swain Co.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Una Lea “Teetsie” Sampson
Una Lea “Teetsie” Sampson, 62, went to her heavenly home where she was greeted by loved ones on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 at Mission Hospital.
OBITUARY: Thomas Eugene Pheasant Jr.
Thomas Eugene Pheasant Jr., 23, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: James Richard Walkingstick
James Richard Walkingstick, also known as Jamie, 45, of Cherokee, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., after an extended illness.
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
“In Light and Shadow”: New book highlights Indigenous photography
Three years in the making, a new book highlights the history of Indigenous photography. Co-authored by Brian Adams and Sarah Stacke, “In Light and Shadow: A Photographic History from Indigenous America” takes the reader on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of photography by Native Americans.
Alea Martens will make modeling debut at Kananesgi
The Kananesgi Fashion Show will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Alea Martens, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), will make her modeling debut. She will model clothes by Mrs. Freida Saylor, an EBCI tribal member and designer.
Behind the designs: Alex Lane returns to the Kananesgi Fashion Show
Alexandria Lane is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the manager of visitor services for the Museum of the Cherokee People. Lane made her debut as a designer in the 2024 Kananesgi Fashion Show, and she will be returning this year with a new collection.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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