NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
“Today, we break ground. Tomorrow, we change lives;” IDD Enrichment Center Groundbreaking held
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 26 at the Old DaVita Dialysis Center in Cherokee, N.C., for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Enrichment Center.
Groups seeking federal acknowledgement as an Indian Tribe
Each month, the One Feather will give an update on the various groups seeking federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe either through Congressional means or by going through the OFA (Office of Federal Acknowledgment) process.
Cannabis adult-use sales are two years in and continuing to thrive
The two-year anniversary of legal adult-use cannabis sales on the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is approaching.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tribal member to receive prestigious historic preservation award
Dr. Beau Carroll, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is set to receive a prestigious award honoring his work with historic preservation.
ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ ᏕᎪᎱᏍᏗ ᏚᎾᏛᏁᎴᎢ ᏗᏓᏃᎮᏍᎪᎢ: Cherokees in the Revolutionary War – August 1776
In 1776, the Cherokee Lower Towns clustered along rivers that rushed down from the mountains: the Chattuga, Tugaloo, Keowee, and Broad, which create the Savannah River.
“It’s who we are”: Cherokee Doula Program continuing to grow
The Cherokee Doula Program has been operating for over a year and is working diligently at bringing back a traditional practice aiding mothers and babies.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: More on the importance of free speech
It is amazing how quickly and easily we (yes, I am lumping humanity together; my apologies if you are offended) move to a mentality of suppressing free speech when we fear the message/messenger or disagree with it or them. I am not talking about vulgar or hateful speech; just an opposing viewpoint.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Unbelievable, Part 2 of 2
Recently, my wife and I took a brief vacation and drove to Kentucky to visit and tour The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. If you ever get a chance to go, I highly recommend it.
COMMENTARY: Gag at a bear, swallow an elk; matters of faith and tradition
We hear a bunch about traditional values when it comes to, well, most everything. Many have different perspectives on what that means.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Cherokee outlasts N.Buncombe in 2OT thriller
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) defeated the North Buncombe Blackhawks 66-60 in a double overtime thriller at N.Buncombe High School on the evening of Friday, Aug. 21. Cherokee’s Kingston Welch rushed 27 times for 208 yards and 6 touchdowns including the game-winner in double overtime.
CROSS COUNTRY: Results from Union County Season Opener meet
The Cherokee High School varsity cross country teams participated in the Union County Season Opener at Meek’s Park in Blairsville, Ga. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
FOOTBALL: Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi are ready to get season rolling
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) opened their 2017 campaign at the North Buncombe Black Hawks – a game they would win 36-10. That team went on to win the 2017 1A State Championship. This year, the Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi open their campaign at North Buncombe – just saying.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: David Eugene Swayney
David Eugene Swayney, 77, of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, Aug. 16, 2026. He was the son of the late John Wesley Swayney and Nellie Mae Crowe.
OBITUARY: Mary Jane Craig Letts
Mary Jane Craig Letts, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at Tsali Care Center in Cherokee, N.C., after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Marcia Owle
Marcia Owle, 67, passed away unexpectedly following a tragic automobile accident. Her sudden passing leaves a deep sense of loss for her family, friends, church family, and all who knew her.
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
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.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm