NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Wilnoty convicted of decade-long child sex abuse
On July 31 in Cherokee Court, with Judge Barbara Parker presiding, Bernard David Wilnoty plead guilty to two counts of abusive sexual contact, one count of aggravated sexual abuse, with one count of assault on a child and solicitation dismissed with the plea.
Lumbee recognition included in House-approved FY26 NDAA bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3838 (National Defense Authorization Act FY26) last week which included a tack-on of the Lumbee Fairness Act which would grant full federal acknowledgement to the state-recognized group known as the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Senior Citizens participate in National Elder Abuse Awareness Walk
The Cherokee Senior Citizens Program, in collaboration with community members, participated in a nationwide Elder Abuse Awareness Walk recently, joining thousands across the country to bring attention to a serious and often overlooked issue: the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
EBCI Tribal Option promotes healthy vision this July
July is recognized as Healthy Vision Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
An amazing journey: Keredith “Tooter” Owens has traveled the world dancing, sharing culture
Sitting at a table in the Qualla Boundary Public Library, Keredith “Tooter” Owens looks over a pile of her photographs documenting her career as a fancy shawl dancer at pow wows.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Katelynn Ledford-McCoy keeps running and inspiring
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is a light and source of inspiration in the Cherokee community. She was recently chosen to be on the Native Women Run (NWR) team for the Chicago Marathon set for Sunday, Oct. 12.
COMMENTARY: Ethically speaking
We now have our slate of candidates for the general election of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Out of 24 who will be on the ballot in September for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), 41.7 percent or 11 candidates are attempting to retain their seats.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the light (Part 2 of 2)
Friends… Isn’t it great when you know you have a faithful friend?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Grant signs to play at Mars Hill University
Another member of the Cherokee Braves football team is headed to play at the next level. Mato Grant, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent on Friday, March 22, 2024 to play football this fall at Mars Hill University.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee team participates in meet at Murphy
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track team participated in a multi-school meet held at the Murphy High School track on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 20.
BASKETBALL: Big Smoky Mountain All-Conference lists
BASKETBALL: Big Smoky Mountain All-Conference lists
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Yahnie Ann Littlejohn Squirrel
Yahnie Ann Littlejohn Squirrel, 78, of Cherokee, opened her eyes in Heaven on Sunday, July 6, 2025. She was a native of Cherokee born on Dec. 7, 1946 to Owen and Agnes Bigwitch Long Littlejohn.
OBITUARY: Daphne Carol Blount
Daphne Carol Blount, age 51 of Murphy, entered the glories of peace that passes all understanding and imagination at home on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with her loving family. Although she is no longer with us in her earthly body, her spirit lives on and she will forever be loved, remembered and cherished by her family and friends.
OBITUARY: Sally J. Kent
Sally J. Kent, 62, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
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
Art being accepted for Cherokee Homecoming Art Show & Sale
Cherokee Nation is accepting artwork for its annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show & Sale. The show is being offered both virtually and in person Aug. 13 – Sept. 10 at the gallery adjacent to the Cherokee National Research Center, and the deadline for submissions is July 8.
These walls can talk: Jared Wheatley provides a canvas
They stand amongst the tallest in western North Carolina and help form the many businesses of a seemingly ever-growing city. Asheville has also had quite a few social walls that have become more visible each year.
Cherokee Musical Theatre students go tropical with “Once on This Island Jr.”
The Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theatre Program took their audience to the Caribbean with its performance of “Once on This Island Jr.”, a musical based on the 1985 novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy. The musical opened at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the evening of Thursday, May 12.
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