NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cherokee Police Commission holds November meeting
The Cherokee Police Commission held their monthly meeting in the Ginger Lynn Welch building on the afternoon of Nov. 13. Chairperson Anita Lossiah called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m.
Cucumber indicted for Murder in Indian Country
On October 7, a grand jury in Asheville returned a criminal indictment charging Derrick Alan Cucumber, 45, of Cherokee, N.C., with first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for killing Mario Sanchez Nino, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
One Feather reporter attends Indigenous Media Conference
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) held the 2025 Indigenous Media Conference (IMC) in Albuquerque, N.M. at the Isleta Pueblo Resort & Casino from Aug. 13-15
Tafoya receives prestigious art award
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya has been named one of 10 recipients of the LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artist Award given by the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF). Tafoya, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with Santa Clara Pueblo heritage, is a multi-medium visual artist who has a love of basketry.
Previously unseen photo of Charles George donated to Post
A new photo of PFC Charles George, Medal of Honor recipient, has surfaced. The photo, which shows PFC George with his unit during the Korean War, was donated to the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 for its museum during a meeting at Post Headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Monday, Aug. 18.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COLUMN (Living the Arte Suave): Between a chair and a hard place
When pursuing healthy living habits people often find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Many of the prescriptions and suggested cures come with lengthy laundry lists of warnings and possible contradictions. Every pharmaceutical TV advertisement ends with a rushed litany of reported side effects. Sometimes the possible cures or prescriptives seem worse than the ailments!
COMMENTARY: Why are we having to ask “Show me the Money”?
Are we too stupid to know? A former tribal official stated in a leadership meeting that we would just be too confused by getting information on our projects and finances, so it is better to let the government handle it without community involvement.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Division, Part 2 of 2
When we see division, we should immediately become peacemakers.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in meet at Hayesville
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track team participated in a multi-school meet at Hayesville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 17.
Atlanta Braves to host Third Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the third annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 7-9. The top high school baseball players of Native American descent from around North America will participate in a pro-style workout on Saturday, June 8 and a showcase game on Sunday, June 9.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: CMS travels to meet at Swain
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track team traveled to a multi-school meet held at Swain Co. High School on the afternoon of Monday, April 15.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr.
Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr., 67, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, after a long illness. Surrounded by love, he was joyfully reunited with his precious grandson, Kobe Gavin, whom he loved and missed with all his heart.
OBITUARY: Jeremiah Taylor
Jeremiah Taylor, age 63, of the Big Cove Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at his residence after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”
Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”, 75, of Whittier, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Cherokee, N.C. She was born on April 22, 1950, in Stilwell, Okla., to the late Owen and Cornelia Proctor Walker. Arlene’s life was rooted in devotion to her family and the simple joys that brought her fulfillment.
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
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.
Tribal member shows art in Brooklyn
Isabella Saunooke, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a sophomore seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting with a minor in philosophy from the Pratt Institute, participated recently in the university’s art show entitled “XO”. (Photo courtesy of Saunooke family)
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