NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Planning Board holds monthly meeting, discusses Fair location, Qualla Boundary entry signage
The Planning Board of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) met on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 19. EBCI Project Management Grants and Planning Coordinator Kim Deas led roll call.
Adding resources: Ribbon-cutting held for additions to Big Cove Fire Station
A ribbon was cut and a fire hose was uncoupled to officially open the new additions to the Big Cove Fire Station in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) on the beautiful afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 22.
Ordinances submitted during Annual Council deal with bear hunting, hemp stores, and more
Several ordinances have been submitted, deemed read and tabled, during this year’s Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session dealing with topics from bear hunting to hemp stores. Each ordinance has to set for at least 25 days from the day it was introduced before being acted upon.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Middle School Honor Roll – 1st Quarter
Cherokee Middle School Honor Roll – 1st Quarter
State Archives Program to explore Cherokee experiences during the American Revolution
The State Archives of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, will host a virtual program Wednesday, Nov. 4 exploring the complex history of the American Revolution in the Cherokee homeland and the challenges of commemorating the conflict in western North Carolina.
Patsy & Henry Lambert Legacy Fund established to support Cherokee families and community needs
Patrick and Cyndi Lambert have established the Patsy & Henry Lambert Legacy Fund through the Community Foundation of western North Carolina. The permanent charitable endowment will support Cherokee families and community needs for generations.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
Health insurance fraud is expensive; we all pay for it
I’ve talked a lot about insurance fraud over the years. Americans pay $308.6 billion annually just to cover the cost of insurance fraud, according to a 2022 study conducted by Colorado State University for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call, Part 6 of 8
So, how do you face death? Maybe we need to realize we are all faced with death every day. God makes no promises to us for tomorrow.
As a therapist: Are you forgiving too soon?
How do you forgive someone when you’re still hurt by what they did? Everyone is saying I am being sensitive and need to get over it so we can go back to normal. I don’t want to hold a grudge, but I also don’t feel like I can pretend everything is fine.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Team, Family, Community: Cherokee Youth Football program’s key to success
The Cherokee Youth Football program has had a standout season, with the peewees and mites teams going undefeated and competing in the Cracker Bowl Saturday, Oct. 24, and the termites and midgets teams having strong finishes as well.
FOOTBALL: Cherokee tops Hayesville for Homecoming
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) hosted the Hayesville Yellowjackets at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C., on the evening of Friday, Oct. 2.
FOOTBALL: Murphy 44 Cherokee 23
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) traveled to the Murphy Bulldogs on the evening of Friday, Sept. 25. FINAL SCORE: Murphy 44 Cherokee 23.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Jeffrey Lee Smith
Jeffrey Lee Smith, a cherished member of the Swain County community, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, while serving and protecting those he loved.
OBITUARY: Jasper “Coon” Wolfe
Jasper “Coon” Wolfe, 74, of the Big Cove Community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
OBITUARY: Maybelle Smoker Welch
Maybelle Smoker Welch, 69, of the Snowbird Community in Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family, following 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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