NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Chiricahua National Monument becomes America’s Newest National Park
Chiricahua National Monument is now Chiricahua National Park, following President Donald J. Trump’s signing of the Chiricahua National Park Act into law on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Groups seeking federal acknowledgement as an Indian Tribe (October 2026 update)
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.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Oct. 21)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Ball receives Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award
A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has been recognized with an esteemed honor recognizing his service to veterans. Samuel Gerard Ball was presented the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award during a session of Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) on the morning of Monday, Oct. 12.
2026-27 EBCI Royalty crowned at Cherokee Indian Fair
The newly crowned royalty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) received their titles during the 114th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair, including Miss Cherokee Caedance Smith, Teen Miss Cherokee Nevayah Panther, Junior Miss Cherokee Khloe Sequoyah, Little Miss Cherokee Mattie Awee Moore, and Sr. Miss Cherokee Pearl Wolfe.
EBCI Public Health and Human Services honors employees at Annual Division Gathering
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) held the PHHS Division Gathering at the historic Kituwah Mound on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: The One Feather stance on the use of AI
On June 18, the Cherokee One Feather Editorial Board adopted the policy of not using artificial intelligence in any of our work products. That means that, as a media outlet, we are choosing not to incorporate writing, photos, videos, or graphics that have been altered in any way by “thinking” computer programs
THE GOOD STUFF: The race seen around the world
Those of us who were lucky enough to attend the 114th Cherokee Indian Fair Baby Crawling contest on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 6 witnessed an epic race.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call: Part 5 of 8
I heard a quote the other day that rings true. “What was once shunned and hidden in the dark alleys is now openly displayed in our living rooms and broad daylight on Main Street.”
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: Marilyn (Susie) Lee Smith Chastain
Marilyn (Susie) Lee Smith Chastain, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Tsali Care Center in Cherokee, N.C., at the age of 80. She leaves behind a legacy of fierce love, unwavering loyalty, strong opinions, and countless memories that will continue to live on through the family she cherished.
OBITUARY: Tasdia Skye Cisneros
Tasdia Skye Cisneros, 37, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at 06:30 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C.
OBITUARY: Phyllis Elaine Jumper
Phyllis Elaine Jumper, 59, of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C. after a period of declining health.
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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