NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Tribal Bingo Project back on after construction halt
The Tribal Bingo Project is back on following a halt in construction that lasted a few weeks due to a right-of-way and easement dispute.
Tribal Bingo Project on hold indefinitely
Less than two months after ground was broken on the new bingo operation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the project has been halted indefinitely.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (April 7)
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.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Cablevision provides update on Tribal Fiber Project
As Cherokee Cablevision, wholly owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and operated by BalsamWest, continues to make progress on the fiber build across tribal lands, they want to keep residents informed about what’s happening in their communities. This update provides important details about the work underway, and what to expect during construction.
Cherokee Historical Association hires two new staff members to lead new programming initiatives
Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has expanded its full-time administrative staff with the creation of two new roles: Cultural Outreach & Event Specialists. These positions, funded by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, will be responsible for leading new programming initiatives set to launch in 2026.
Atlanta Braves Cultural Committee and Atlanta Braves hold Career Expo
On the morning of Thursday, Dec. 11, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Atlanta Braves Cultural Committee and the Atlanta Braves held the Beyond the Diamond Career Expo at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center for EBCI high school and college students to explore careers in professional sports.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Your engine light is on, Part 1 of 2
Critical decision-making instruction is lacking in our basic educational systems. Many organizations teach about Critical Thinking, but few teach students how to think critically about anything.
January report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for January. I hope everyone has had a safe and productive start to the new year. As always, my report follows the standard format below.
THE GOOD STUFF: Beau Carroll is passionate about having a Cherokee voice in archaeology
Beau Carroll is a true educator who is passionate about his Cherokee culture and heritage. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), Carroll is the lead archaeologist with the EBCI’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office.
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: Viola Lane
Viola Lane, age 72 of Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at Cherokee Hospital.
OBITUARY: Donald Lee “Kanogsdaya” Swimmer
Donald Lee “Kanogsdaya” Swimmer, 70, of Cherokee, N.C., took his heavenly flight on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 to reunite with his parents, Luke and Amanda Sequoyah Swimmer; and his siblings, Mary Ellen Wolfe, Johnny, Ronald, Herbert, and McKinley Swimmer.
OBITUARY: Byron Jase Locust
Byron Jase Locust, 26, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of James William Locust Jr. and Elisha Wildcatt Locust of Cherokee.
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
Thompson recognized by First Peoples Fund for artistic excellence
Mary Welch Thompson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from the Big Cove Community, has been selected to receive a prestigious art award. She is one of four recipients in Indian Country to receive the 2023 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award given by the First Peoples Fund.
Dracula returns to Cherokee
“Last year we built it, and I feel like this year we’re crafting it,” said Bailey Frankenberg, who plays Lucy Westerna in “Dracula: The Failings of Men”.
“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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm