NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Voter participation over 45 percent for EBCI General Election
Over 45 percent of the registered voters of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians cast a ballot in the General Election held Thursday, Sept. 4. According to information from the EBCI Board of Elections, 3,031 of the 6,702 registered voters cast a ballot for a voter participation of 45.23 percent.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Dinilawigi approves increase to tribal levy and privilege tax; approves FY26 budget
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved an increase to the tribal levy and privilege tax and approved the FY2026 budget for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
THE GOOD STUFF: Ava Walkingstick receives One Feather Student of the Year Award
An outstanding young Cherokee woman has been named the inaugural winner of the Cherokee One Feather Student of the Year Award. The award was presented to Ava Walkingstick, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a rising junior at Cherokee High School (CHS), during the Reports to Council session on the morning of Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Cherokee High School 4th quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 4th quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee Preservation Foundation hosts 17th annual Cherokee Day of Caring
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation with the support of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and the Offices of the Principal Chief and Vice Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) came together collaboratively for the 17th annual Day of Caring on May 15.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: A TDA has been the right answer for our Tribe all along
I am going to travel to some old ground today. I have advocated for a Chamber of Commerce or a tourism development authority for our tribal community for decades. The concept works in almost every municipality in the country.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Are you saved? Part 2 of 2
Questions often remain in people’s minds about Salvation and whether they have it or others have it. It is usually based upon the judgment of others when a living testimony fails in the eyes of the beholder and judge.
COMMENTARY: Campaign season is upon us
We often joke (sometimes it isn’t a joke) that our politicians on the Qualla Boundary are in perpetual campaign mode. After all, with a 24-month election cycle, long-term planning and execution can be challenging to say the least.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves topple Bishop McGuinness in Fourth Round
The Cherokee High School Lady Braves ended the two-year reign of the Bishop McGuinness Lady Villains on the evening of Friday, March 8, at Southwest Guilford High School in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 1A state basketball playoffs.
TRACK & FIELD: CHS competes in WNC Kickoff Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) varsity track and field teams competed in the WNC Kickoff Invitational at the Western Carolina University track on the afternoon of Thursday, March 7.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts three-school meet
Cherokee Middle School (CMS) hosted Robbinsville Middle School and Swain Co. Middle School in a three-school meet on the afternoon of Monday, March 4.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
OBITUARY: Billy Ray Jones
Billy Ray Jones, 89, of Sylva, North Carolina was called home on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born in Sylva, N.C., on March 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Maudie Wykle and Aude Jones. He was the third oldest of nine brothers.
OBITUARY: Linda Sue Arch
Linda Sue Arch, 68, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee Summer Carnival returns June 9-15
After being absent in 2018, the Cherokee Summer Carnival returns to the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds on June 9-15.
Upcoming Pow Wows for June 7-9
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.
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival set for June 6-8
Adams Bluegrass, LLC, has announced that the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival will be held at Happy Holiday RV Village and Campground at 1553 Wolfetown Road in Cherokee.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Pottery students show their work at Museum
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Staff The art of Cherokee pottery is alive and well and is moving into the 21st century with renewed vigor. Students in a class entitled Traditional Pottery for Beginners, tau ght by Cherokee potter Tara McCoy and hosted...
EBCI-driven short film aims for proper representation
A new short film entitled “Stripper” was written, directed, and produced by Anthony Sneed, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. In fact, the movie was shot in Cherokee, and all but one of the speaking parts went to EBCI tribal members.
Cherokee Syllabary Exhibit wins Award of Excellence; Museum acquires work by artist
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) and Asheville Art Museum have been awarded the North Carolina Museums Council’s 2021 Award of Excellence for the collaborative exhibition A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary in Contemporary Art.
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