NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI reverses decision and decides to remain in NCAI organization
Seven months after voting for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to (EBCI) leave the NCAI (National Congress of American Indians), Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has approved legislation for it to remain in the organization.
Dinilawigi authorizes tribal programs to apply for five grants totaling $2.2 million
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has authorized several tribal programs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to apply for a total of five grants that would benefit the EBCI community.
Campaign financing and inheritance law among five new ordinances introduced
Five new ordinances were introduced in Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) during its regular session on Thursday, Aug. 6.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Smith represents EBCI at United Nations Forum on Indigenous Health
Jasmine Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), made history as the youngest EBCI representative to speak at the recent United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), addressing global leaders on Indigenous health and environmental protection.
Faith Long-Presley becomes first to graduate from all four Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute Programs
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to recognize Faith Long-Presley, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), as the first individual to complete all four leadership programs offered through the Institute’s culturally based leadership learning continuum.
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Layaway Plan, Part 1 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.
April report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of April. Before I begin, I want to congratulate Anna Ferguson on becoming the first EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) member to serve in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Just missed Him
A plethora of verses can be found that reveal how all of Israel, except for the disciples and followers of Jesus, discounted Him as Lord.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
The Tsalagi Cougars are going for gold
The Tsalagi Cougars are the regional cheer group competing in the North Carolina Senior Games. Beginning last year and earning a second-place medal, the team, representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has grown in numbers and excitement, gunning for first place at the 2024 Senior Games happening in Raleigh Sept. 16-22.
ON THE SIDELINES: The will to win
Covering Lady Braves Volleyball was one of my very first beats when I began as a reporter with the One Feather in October 2023.
CROSS COUNTRY: CHS, CMS Lady Braves win at home meet
Cherokee Central Schools hosted a cross country meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 4, and both the Cherokee High School (CHS) and Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves won their team contests.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Carolynn Lynda Smith
Carolynn Lynda Smith passed away in Asheville, N.C., on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
OBITUARY: Kristine Trottingwolf
Kristine Trottingwolf, of Petaluma, Calif., passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the age of 79. Kris was enrolled as a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Thankfully, she endures no more suffering from her battle with cancer.
OBITUARY: Velma Jean McMillan Hemphill
Velma Jean McMillan Hemphill, 82, of the 3200 Acre Tract, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 after a long illness. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Ray and Edna Owle McMillan and wife of the late Henry Hayse Robertson and Charles Hemphill.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for June 21-23
Note: This list of pow wows was compiled by One Feather staff. The One Feather does not endorse any of these dances. It is simply a listing of ones occurring throughout the continent. Please call before traveling.
National Park to host Women’s Work Festival
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual Women’s Work Festival at the Mountain Farm Museum on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Upcoming Pow Wows for June 14-16
Note: This list of pow wows was compiled by One Feather staff. The One Feather does not endorse any of these dances. It is simply a listing of ones occurring throughout the continent. Please call before traveling.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Film, concert event to put Cherokee language in the spotlight
On Aug. 4 and 5, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) will present The Way We Speak with the World, a film and concert event celebrating the Cherokee language.
The Comedy Zone coming to Harrah’s Cherokee
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, will welcome The Comedy Zone to its roster of highly acclaimed entertainment venues. Slated to open this summer, The Comedy Zone will host top-notch comedians and some of the hottest stand-up performers on the stage.
Asheville Symphony to hold Educational Concert at Harrah’s Cherokee Center
On Friday, May 19, Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools’ fifth graders will have the opportunity to travel to hear world-renowned banjo player Béla Fleck play alongside members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra at no cost. These two consecutive shows, dubbed the “Young People’s Concerts” are free for fifth graders from those two public school systems and are $5 for all other tickets. They will take place at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center’s Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm