NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 10)
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.
Dinilawigi passes Ord. No. 184 prohibiting caging of bears
On the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 6, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed Ordinance No. 184 (2026) “…amending Chapter 19 regarding caging bears on Tribal lands.” The ordinance prohibits the caging of bears on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The ordinance change was originally submitted by Mary Crowe, an EBCI tribal elder from Elawodi (Yellowhill).
Dinilawigi votes to finalize conveyance of Fort Butler Park to EBCI
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) approved legislation authorizing EBCI Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks to finalize a recent conveyance of Fort Butler Park to the EBCI from the Town of Murphy, N.C.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Amici Italia brings authentic dining experience to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has announced the grand opening of Amici Italia, a vibrant new authentic Italian experience that delivers a true taste of Italy in the heart of western North Carolina.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: You are not alone. You are not broken
Good evening everyone. My name is Marissa Bradley-Ward and I am a person in long term recovery from Substance Use challenges.
COMMENTARY: We should all do less nose-thumbing and more listening.
I recently had coffee with a friend who was sharing frustration about a coworker who neglected or ignored duties.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Layaway Plan, Part 2 of 2
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so, through him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” NIV
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
JV FOOTBALL: Braves win 28-18 at Hayesville
The Cherokee JV Braves traveled to Hayesville on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 19 and came away with a 28-18 victory over the JV Yellow Jackets.
ON THE SIDELINES: Check out the Cherokee Skate Jam
Aaron Ira Smart soared into the air, grabbed his board, and did a keen trick mid-air between rounds at an annual event that astounds me each year. Smart, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation with heritage from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) as well, did this at last year’s Cherokee Skate Jam.
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves keep rolling with win at Murphy
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves continued their winning ways with a team victory at a meet in Murphy, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The team won with a score of 30 followed by Murphy with 62.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Justin Patrick Adams
Justin Patrick Adams, age 45, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Greenville, S.C., to Bryan Adams and the late Pamela Conseen Adams.
OBITUARY: William David Walkingstick
William David Walkingstick, 77, an Eastern Band Cherokee, N.C. native, who resided in Louisville, Tenn., passed away on the evening of Friday, May 29, 2026.
OBITUARY: Michael Lacaine Laws
Michael Lacaine Laws, 53, of the Lower Alarka Community, went home to be with the Lord Monday, June 1, 2026. A native of Swain County, he was the son of Sarah Reva Jenkins of Bryson City and the late James Harold Laws.
HAPPENINGS
Park and DLiA to host Smokies Species Day
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the non-profit partner Discover Life in America (DLiA) are celebrating the diversity of life in the park by hosting “Smokies Species Day” at Sugarlands Visitor Center on Saturday, June 29
Park to host Smokies Service Days
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is inviting the public to participate in “Smokies Service Days” beginning June 29
Los Moralitos Circus bringing a family tradition to Cherokee
To say that the circus is a family tradition for the Vazquez family would be an understatement.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Journey to the Land of the Dead at “Coco Live-to-Film Concert” hosted at Bardo Arts Center
Bardo Arts Center is excited to sing with its audience “Un Poco Loco” at the upcoming show “Coco Live-to-Film Concert” on Oct. 23 and 24.
Museum receives grant for welcome signs to Cultural District
A grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation will provide for two artistic welcome signs to be installed designating the Cherokee Cultural District on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.).
WCU to open exhibition “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson”
This August, the WCU (Western Carolina University) Fine Art Museum opens the exhibition “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson”, featuring over 140 works of contemporary Native American art from the collection of one of western North Carolina’s most notable art enthusiasts.
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