NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
March Planning Board recap
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Planning Board met on the afternoon of March 16 in the Tribal Council House. Dallas Bennett, constituent services rep. for the Office of the Vice Chief led roll call.
Ordinance proposing an elk hunting season discussed in EBCI Timber Committee
An ordinance, submitted during the March session of Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) and seeking to establish an elk hunting season on lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), was discussed during the Monday, March 16 session of EBCI Timber Committee.
Police Commission February and March meeting recap
The Cherokee Police Commission met for their monthly meeting on Feb. 24 and March 17 in the Ginger Lynn Welch Building.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
The Center for Native Health and Harris Regional Hospital Partner to support new mothers
A new partnership between The Center for Native Health (CNH) and Harris Regional Hospital is making recovery a little easier for mothers delivering in Harris’s New Generations Family Birth Center.
Agency wins awards for Cherokee “Find Your Spirit” ad campaign
French West Vaughan (FWV), with Rooster Media Productions, on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and Visit Cherokee, won several awards at the local 2025-26 American Advertising Awards Gala hosted by AAF (American Advertising Federation) of the Triangle on Thursday, March 6.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), Part 1 of 2
Truly, there is a fear among this generation called FOMO. Rightfully so. FOMO comes in the sinful form of those who delay accepting and living for Christ because they want to have fun and live the experience of a sinful life promoted by our media and the current morals of this country.
COMMENTARY: This is why we can’t have nice things.
What does it say about a person or people who must vandalize and mutilate people or property to achieve acceptance or acclaim with a group?
THE GOOD STUFF: Brenda Toineeta Pipestem receives prestigious legal award
Justice Brenda Toineeta Pipestem, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, received a very prestigious legal award recently.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Shirley Reagan receives USA Judo National Referee certification
Shirley Reagan, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been doing Judo for years, and she recently hit a milestone in the sport she loves. She has received certification as a USA Judo National Referee and can officiate any national tournament in the United States.
WRESTLING: Cherokee H.S. competes at regional meets; two wrestlers qualify for state
The Cherokee High School (CHS) men’s and women’s wrestling teams competed in two separate regional events this past week, and two CHS wrestlers have qualified for the upcoming state meet scheduled for Feb. 19-21 at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.
Indoor Track & Field: Swimmer sets record as Cherokee participates in Swain County Polar meet
Cherokee High School’s (CHS) indoor track team participated in the Swain County Polar meet held at the Swain Co. High School Track on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Kellie Ann Bridgeman
Kellie Ann Bridgeman, born on Sept. 7, 1976, in Haywood County, N.C., passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Kellie’s life was defined by her deep love for her family, friends, and the animals she cherished.
OBITUARY: Lola Owl Blankenship
Lola Owl Blankenship, age 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. She was born on June 5, 1960, in Toombs County, Ga., and spent most of her life in Cherokee, N.C., where she built a life centered on family, friendship, and laughter.
OBITUARY: Dr. Gwang Soo Han
Dr. Gwang Soo Han, a dedicated and leading physician, a tireless advocate for the community, and a devoted husband of 60 years, passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2026, at the age of 86 following a brief 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
Two Cherokee women receive NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award
Two Cherokee women have received the In These Mountains NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award to better delve into the ancient art of making honeysuckle baskets
“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.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm