NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 10)
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.
Dinilawigi passes Ord. No. 184 prohibiting caging of bears
On the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 6, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed Ordinance No. 184 (2026) “…amending Chapter 19 regarding caging bears on Tribal lands.” The ordinance prohibits the caging of bears on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The ordinance change was originally submitted by Mary Crowe, an EBCI tribal elder from Elawodi (Yellowhill).
Dinilawigi votes to finalize conveyance of Fort Butler Park to EBCI
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) approved legislation authorizing EBCI Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks to finalize a recent conveyance of Fort Butler Park to the EBCI from the Town of Murphy, N.C.
Qualla Open Air Indian Art Market
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
A Day in the Makerspace: Bernice Bottchenbaugh’s chemise class at Qualla Boundary Public Library
On Thursday, Aug. 6, Bernice Bottchenbaugh, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove), taught a chemise class at the Qualla Boundary Public Library.
Cherokee Water reveals exclusive can for Red Clay State Historic Park’s 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration
Cherokee Water has revealed its exclusive water can for the 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration at Red Clay State Historic Park in Cleveland, Tenn. The event will take place from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9. Admission is $5 cash only.
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Should AI be used with the Cherokee language?
Generative AI is changing the way languages are learned and taught. New tools promise instant translation, personalized practice, and automated lesson creation, while platforms such as Duolingo now offer instruction in Hawaiian and Navajo.
COMMENTARY: News media need to have an impartial voice.
For many years, your One Feather staff has been providing documentation of events in our community, in surrounding communities, in the state, region, and nation.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Translate that, Part 1 of 2
Proverbs 3:13 says, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding”. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”. Reading God’s Word every day begets all of the above. I pray you can say the same. As Paul admits in Philippians 3,
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Braves new head coach working to build a program and consistency
On a cooler-than-usual late spring morning, the sounds of football could be heard from Ray Kinsland Stadium. The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) were going through warm-ups and position drills – gearing up for the 2026 campaign under a new head coach, T.C. Guyer.
Cherokee High School Athletic Awards 2025-26
Cherokee High School Athletic Awards 2025-26
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
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Darrell Wayne Pyle
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Darrell Wayne Pyle, age 66.
OBITUARY: Henry M. Dover
Henry M. Dover, 77, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late David Miller and Lula Bell Murphy Dover.
OBITUARY: Zander Bull Moses Escobar-Oocumma
Zander Bull Moses Escobar-Oocumma, infant son of James Escobar and Makailah Oocumma, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Aug. 3, 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
Shea Vassar’s “Julie Takes A Walk” highlights the humor in everyday Native life
Shea Vassar, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Norman, Okla., is bringing a new perspective to comedy with “Julie Takes A Walk,” a short romantic comedy that she co-directed, wrote, and helped produce. This film displays the humor of everyday life and brings attention to modern Native life and queer Native people in small towns.
The Way We See The World returns for its fifth year
The Way We See The World, presented by the Museum of the Cherokee People, is back for its fifth year and will be held on Friday, Aug. 7 in the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mariah Hill’s broad creativity extends from Fair themes to paintings
Mariah Hill is a talented artist with an eye for color and a mind rooted in traditional Cherokee teachings. For the past two years, her entry has been selected as the theme for the annual Cherokee Indian Fair hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
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