NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas seeking federal acknowledgement through Congress
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, a state-recognized group based in McAllen, Texas, is seeking federal acknowledgement as an American Indian tribe through a newly-introduced House bill. H.R. 10435 (Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Recognition Act) was introduced by Rep. Vincente Gonzalez (D-Texas) on Sept. 16, 2026.
EBCI receives $3.7 million grant to expand Burgess-Oocumma Veterans Memorial Cemetery
The Burgess-Oocumma Veterans Memorial Cemetery was dedicated in 2022, and now a sizable grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA) will help the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) honor its veterans for generations to come.
Every Child Matters: EBCI commemorates National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Several hundred people turned out, wearing orange shirts, to commemorate the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation event hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 30.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
World Premiere held for “Raising Cane: The Cherokee and Rivercane”
A world premiere of “Raising Cane: The Cherokee and Rivercane” was shown at the Thomas Auditorium Blue Ridge Community College on Unadodagwidena (Saturday), Duliisdi (Sept.) 19. The movie highlights the use of rivercane by Cherokee Basket weavers/makers.
Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program shares curriculum overview
Teachers and staff from the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program (CLMAP) have been working through the summer to consolidate resources and update their curriculum.
EBCI Tribal Option unveils Third StoryWalk at Cherokee County Clinic
EBCI Tribal Option joined community partners to unveil a new StoryWalk at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority’s Cherokee County Clinic, creating an outdoor space where children and families can read, walk, and spend time together.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Personal reflections on addiction
I wrote this poem after reading the testimony of the guy who turned me on to my ruin, what got me 21 years of my life locked up. I can blame only myself. I hope people learn from my mistakes and know there is hope out there.
September report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of September.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call, Part 3 of 8
Everyone can identify and know what you are talking about with these statements. These examples are universal life experiences.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam largest yet
Wheels were thundering across the concrete as the 10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam was held at the Ayvdagwalosgiyi (Thunder Place) in Elawodi (Yellowhill) in Cherokee, N.C., on Unadodaquidena (Saturday), Duliisdi (Sept.) 12.
FOOTBALL: Cherokee wins Battle of the Nations
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves), representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, defeated the Choctaw Central Warriors, representing the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, in overtime 28-27 to win the Annual Battle of the Nations trophy. The game was held at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Friday, Sept. 4.
Ring Ceremony held for 1A/2A Indoor Track State Champion Joscelyn Stamper
A ring ceremony was held for Cherokee High School Senior Joscelyn Stamper, who won first place in shot put at the NCHSAA 1A/2A Indoor Track State Championship with a throw of 36’7”.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Richard (Uwena) Bradley
Richard (Uwena) Bradley joined his dad, Morgan, in heaven on Monday, Oct. 5, surrounded by his close family and friends, after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Nancy Leopard Finger
Nancy Leopard Finger passed on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born in Haywood County on Aug. 13, 1933, into a family of 13 children, to the late Frank and Alice (Ashe) Leopard.
OBITUARY: Jarrett Cody Youngdeer
Jarrett Cody Youngdeer, 41, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at 11:10 a.m. at his residence in Cherokee, N.C.
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
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
Shinnecock women reclaim traditional practices in Nathaniel Cummings-Lambert’s new documentary
“Women of the Stony Shore: Shinnecock Kelp Farmers”, Nathaniel Cummings-Lambert’s new documentary, takes a close look at the traditional Shinnecock practice of kelp farming.
Cherokee values show us the way in Schon Duncan’s “Ahyoka”
Schon Duncan, a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, reminds us of Cherokee values and the true meaning of community with their new short film “Ahyoka” (ᎠᏲᎧ), a portrait of Ahyoka Youngdeer. Through telling Ahyoka’s story, Duncan emphasizes the importance of inclusivity while also honoring a good friend.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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