NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Resolution passes for Birdtown Community Club to receive annual funding
On the afternoon of Thursday, March 5, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) voted to pass a resolution granting Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Club a one-time waiver to receive the $10,000 awarded to each community club annually.
Ordinance proposing changes to judicial code tabled
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Bradley Letts, a member of the EBCI, has submitted an ordinance suggesting changes to the judicial code, Chapter 7 of the Cherokee Code, that has now been tabled four times to work session with the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council).
EBCI tribal legislative updates (March 5)
The One Feather will now provide regular legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute awarded grants from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI), a department of the Cherokee Boys Club, has announced that it has received two grant awards from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) to support its culturally based leadership programs for youth and adults.
A Butterfly’s Heart: Melah Perkins’ fashion show debut
Kimmemelah Chontay Perkins, or Melah, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Sioux, is a beadwork and quillwork artist making her debut as a designer in the Kananesgi Fashion Show coming up Nov. 8.
Waleli Crow brings an artist’s eye to modeling
Waleli Crow is surrounded daily by art, and modeling offers her another artistic outlet. Crow, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. where she majors in dramatic writing with minors in film and television and graphic design.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Museum executive director reflects, looks to the future
In 2021 I was blessed to be selected as the new director of our Museum, and reflecting now, I am so proud of the work the Museum has accomplished. The foundation had been set before my arrival, though, to allow the Museum to begin to focus on our community more fully, and to tell more stories about who we are as Cherokee people today.
December report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of December. November was a very busy month, and I hope each of you enjoyed a restful holiday season with family and friends. As always, my report follows the standard format below.
THE GOOD STUFF: Janell Rattler always puts Cherokee elders first
If elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are involved, Janell Rattler will not be far behind – assisting wherever and however she can. She is the Senior Games coordinator in the Cherokee Recreation Program and has made it her life’s work to make sure that Cherokee elders have the opportunity to be active and healthy.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Lady Braves win Smoky Mountain Conference championship
The Cherokee Lady Braves Middle School track team edged Hayesville Middle by 3.5 points to win the 2024 Smoky Mountain Middle School Track & Field Championship.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: General Benjamin Grant
General Benjamin Grant, born Sept. 5, 1945, in White County, Tenn., to the late Rebecca Catolster Grant (Cherokee) and Ernest “Lone Wolf” Grant (Lakota Sioux), passed away on Dec. 3, 2025.
Chad “Mongo” Donavon Burton
Chad “Mongo” Donavon Burton, 50, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 19,2025.
OBITUARY: Alexander Joseph Estep
Alexander Joseph Estep, 30, of Troy, Ill., went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. He died unexpectedly at his home in Whittier, N.C.
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
“Disruption” shakes up Museum of the Cherokee Indian exhibit
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is switching gears on its permanent exhibit and taking funerary and ceremonial objects off display. Taking these items off display created holes in the exhibit which have been filled with contemporary Cherokee art pieces.
Kansas returns to Cherokee
After 10 years, prolific rock band Kansas is coming back to the mountains of North Carolina and will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort this Saturday, June 25.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm