NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Franklin Town Council paves way for Noquisiyi Mound deed transfer to EBCI
The Franklin Town Council approved a resolution that paves the way for the deed of the Noquisiyi (formerly known as Nikwasi) Mound to be transferred from the Noquisi Initiative to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 5)
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.
Man sentenced to 21 years in prison on drug and gun charges
Grey Alan Hester, 50, of Candler, N.C. was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to 21 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI bestows title of Beloved Man to Rev. Fred Lunsford
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has bestowed the exalted title of Beloved Man to the late Rev. Fred Bruner Lunsford. Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved Res. No. 435 unanimously during a clean-up session on Tuesday, Sept. 30 which made the designation.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority recognizes National Recovery Month by announcing ‘Recovery Friendly NC Workplace’ Certification
During a catered lunch from Nikki’s Frybread on Wednesday, Sept. 24 to celebrate staff at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) who are in recovery, Tara Reed-Cooper, associate director of Career Development announced CIHA completed the certification process to become a Recovery Friendly Workplace through Recovery Friendly NC, a statewide initiative that helps employers and community partners create supportive spaces for individuals in or seeking recovery.
Right Path Adult Leadership Program celebrates 2025 Graduates, welcomes 2026 Cohort
The Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership Program honored its 2025 graduates and introduced the 2026 cohort during a special ceremony held Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Kituwah Mound Pavilion.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: What would be fair?
Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the testimony of Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing concerning Senator Tillis’ bill S.107. You won’t see me doing that much. My personal ethics are that I keep my personal opinions out of the public area when it comes to our politicians, because I feel a moral obligation to be objective in my coverage of our leadership.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WNC citizen concerned about encroachment on press freedom
I write as a concerned citizen of western North Carolina to draw attention to the growing encroachment on press freedom under the current administration, and the implications this has for our local democracy.
THE GOOD STUFF: Micah Swimmer shares culture and hope
I have known Micah Swimmer for years, and one thing that has always impressed me about him is his hope surrounding Cherokee culture and language. Whenever I see him at events, he is always sharing and educating.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts Smoky Mountain Conference championship
Cherokee High School (CHS) played host to the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) track and field championship on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 1.
Ward signs to play basketball, volleyball at Johnson & Wales
Loshi Ward, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), will be a two-sport athlete at the next level.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts multi-school meet
Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted a multi-school meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 24.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Robert Stanley Taylor
Robert Stanley Taylor, 64 of Cherokee passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of Dolly Taylor of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: James “Bopper” Marvin Johnson
James “Bopper” Marvin Johnson, 68, of the Piney Grove Community, is walking on the other side.
OBITUARY: Amber Joy McNeilly
Amber Joy McNeilly, 42, of Lenoir, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.
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
Beautiful statements: EBCI tribal member participates in Atlanta art show
Three Cherokee citizens are featured in a new art show at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Luzene Hill, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, joins Cherokee Nation citizens Brenda Mallory and Kade Twist in the show entitled “Returns: Cherokee Diaspora and Art” which will run from Saturday, June 11 and runs until Sept. 4.
“Night of Gadugi” highlights Cultural Summer School
Cherokee culture and language were showcased during the “Night of Gadugi” at Cherokee Central Schools on the evening of Monday, June 13. The event featured art displays and performances by the students who completed the Cherokee Cultural Summer School program.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm