NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 16)
The One Feather will now provide 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.
Catawba Nation becomes North Carolina’s ninth state-recognized tribe
The Catawba Nation, a federally recognized tribe based in Rock Hill, S.C., has become the ninth state-recognized tribe in the State of North Carolina. The approval came from the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs on Friday, June 5.
This week in Native News
This week in Native News
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
McMinn Living Heritage Museum updates Cherokee exhibit
In the quaint eastern Tennessee town of Athens is the McMinn Living Heritage Museum which tells the story of that area which includes a rich Cherokee history. That story has been updated recently with a new, fresh Cherokee exhibit.
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 3rd 9wks. Grading Period
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 3rd 9wks. Grading Period
Meet the Office of the Tribal Prosecutor
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Office of the Tribal Prosecutor is now fully staffed for the first time with a staff of five: Leo Phillips, lead tribal prosecutor; Randle Jones, senior tribal prosecutor; Hayden Duncan, tribal prosecutor; Amy Teesateskie, paralegal and victim/witness coordinator; and Hali Silvers, victim advocate. Teesateskie and Silvers are both enrolled members of the EBCI.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Fireworks, Part 2 of 2
The people who glorify the skies with fireworks displays, through their service and talent, exemplify humility for us.
COMMENTARY: At what cost unity?
It doesn’t take a lot to create unity. Take a gullible group of people who want something and provide them with a person or organization that promises better outcomes and will fulfill that want, and you have yourself a unified group.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Fireworks, Part 1 of 2
Pastors, ministers, teachers, and musicians can get lost in their desire to serve the Lord and begin to serve themselves. Maybe you’ve met some. Perhaps you have fallen into Satan’s snare of pride. We are going to define how easy it is to happen and what is needed to escape the sin of hubris.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Over 500 anglers compete in Qualla Country Fish Tournament
A total of 518 anglers registered for the Qualla Country Fish Tournament held in Cherokee, N.C. on Aug. 24-25. In all, 86 of those anglers redeemed a total of 155 tags for a total of $12,425 in cash prizes being distributed.
ON THE SIDELINES: Sports teaches teamwork and unity
Prior to the kickoff of the season opener for the Cherokee Braves, seniors Brandon Santiago and Luke Smith, walked, arms locked, to the center of the field for the coin toss.
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s all be more like Will this year
The very first On the Sidelines sports column I wrote many years ago was about Will Poolaw and his dedication to Cherokee Central Schools. As I was selecting a photograph for this week’s Braves Gameday graphic (Cherokee at Smoky Mtn.), I came across a shot I took of Will last season.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Clara Saunooke
Clara Saunooke, a dedicated sister, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Bird Town community, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service.
OBITUARY: Harold Luther Coleman
Harold Luther Coleman, 86, born Sept. 3, 1939 was called home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
OBITUARY: Jeanette “Ann” Walkingstick
Jeanette “Ann” Walkingstick, of Cherokee, peacefully departed from this world on Monday, March 23, 2026.
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
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.
Cherokee Musical Theatre to present “Sister Act”
The comedic antics of Deloris Van Cartier will come to life this spring in the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center as the Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theatre program presents “Sister Act”. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Learning lessons from the clay; Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opens at Museum
The artistry and beauty of Cherokee pottery was on display at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian as the Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opened on the evening of Friday, April 14. The exhibit featured the works of students from a Community Learning Workshop, hosted by the Museum, which was taught by Tara McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and noted potter.
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