NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Police Commission meeting held, commissioners discuss sovereignty in tribal courts, cost containment
On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 14, the Cherokee Police Commission held their monthly meeting in the Ginger Lynn Welch Poke Salad Room. Chairperson Anita Lossiah called the meeting to order at 12:00p.m. Secretary Israel Rodriguez led roll call.
Ward surrenders, victim impact statements read
On the morning of Monday, July 13, Dakota Ward surrendered in Cherokee Tribal Court, with Judge Barbara “Sunshine” Parker presiding, to begin his five-year sentence for four counts of false imprisonment and child abuse in the first degree. Victim impact statements were read for the record.
Interior launches Electronic Probate System to modernize trust estate services for American Indian and Alaska Native Families
The Department of the Interior announced on Monday, July 13 the launch of the Electronic Probate System, a secure digital platform that modernizes how probate cases are managed for American Indian and Alaska Native families across Indian Country.
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Qualla Carving Club celebrates one-year anniversary
The Qualla Carving Club is celebrating one year since its inception. Driver Blythe, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and a founder of the club, is excited to share what the club has accomplished so far, and what they anticipate for the future.
Cherokee Youth Council explores Cherokee History and Leadership in Chattanooga
17 members of the Cherokee Youth Council recently traveled to Chattanooga, Tenn. recently for an overnight trip that gave them the opportunity to learn more about Cherokee history and culture while also practicing leadership and independence.
Bryce Teesateskie has a passion for visual storytelling and cultural preservation
Bryce Teesateskie is an up-and-coming documentary filmmaker with a passion for visual storytelling and vision for cultural preservation. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from Tutiyi (Snowbird), he graduated summa cum laude (with a 4.0 GPA), from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Atlanta campus in spring 2026.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Life is a series of moments that will never occur again
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to cover the Annual Eastern Band of Cherokee Pow Wow which is one of my favorite events to photograph every year. It is important for us to remember that life is a series of moments that will never occur again.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Take your pick. Part 2 of 2
My instructor was a master chef, an older man who retired from the Navy as a chef on battleships and aircraft carriers. He served seamen of all ranks and became the Officer Quarters master chef.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Enjoyable experience at Eastern Band Cherokee Pow Wow
I just wanted to thank you for allowing us to visit the Qualla Boundary and Cherokee this past weekend.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lillie Mae George Larch
Lillie Mae George Larch, 88, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Tsali Care Center, surrounded by her children.
OBITUARY: Jean Marie (Derry) Curren
Jean Marie (Derry) Curren was born July 1, 1932 to Albert and Irene Derry and raised in Newtown, Pa. After a long battle with illness, she fell asleep in death peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the age of 93, in Sylva, N.C.
OBITUARY: Lewis Hamilton Harding, Sr.
Commander Lewis Hamilton Harding, Sr., age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 25, 2026, in his beloved hometown of 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
Former Ugvwiyuhi Lambert shares his story in “The River”
Patrick H. Lambert, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has poured his heart and soul into a new book. “The River: A Cherokee Principal Chief’s Fight for Family, Truth, and Vindication” chronicles his life which has included many historical moments for the EBCI.
“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.
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