NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This week in Native News
This week in Native News
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 23)
The One Feather provides 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.
Roads Commission meeting held
The Roads Commission of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians held their monthly meeting on the morning of Monday, June 22.
2026 4th of July Powwow
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CNH Youth Conservation Clubs: Growing the next generation of Cherokee environmental stewards
The Center for Native Health (CNH), in partnership with New Kituwah Academy (NKA), Cherokee Central Schools (CCS), the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources Department, and Smokies Life, is proud to support the creation and ongoing operation of the Youth Conservation Clubs (YCC).
The Qualla Boundary Public Library’s summer reading program is something to roar about
This summer, the Qualla Boundary Public Library has transformed into Jurassic Park for their 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Unearth a Story.” With snacks, crafts, prizes, and more, this year’s dinosaur themed program is holding events every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library from now until July 27.
Dr. Ann Bullock named as 2026 Lula Owl Gloyne Person of Excellence Award Recipient
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation has announced Dr. Ann Bullock as the recipient of the 2026 Lula Owl Gloyne Person of Excellence Award, which recognizes individuals whose lives and work embody exceptional service, leadership, innovation, resilience, and commitment to the well-being of others.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Surprise! Part 2 of 2
Now, for the flip side. How do you judge all those who aren’t as fortunate as you?
THE GOOD STUFF: Madison Hye Long inspires with photography and language
When Long picks up her camera, it is as though she is picking up a paint brush – art comes through time after time and timeless art is created.
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.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Joscelyn Stamper breaking records, and she’s not done
Joscelyn Stamper has a calm, kind demeanor that probably surprises a lot of people when they find out just how competitive she is athletically
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Kent (Coach) Briggs
With strong roots and deep love for western North Carolina communities, coach leaves behind a legacy in resilience, strength, kindness and loyalty.
OBITUARY: John Lawrence Laney Jr.
John Lawrence Laney Jr., 59, of Cherokee, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Howard “Skipper” Vincent Sneed
Howard “Skipper” Vincent Sneed, 85, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm