NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 20)
The One Feather provides 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.
Tribal member fights for access to possessory land
Scott Welch is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown). He is the possessory holder of tribal land on Cooper’s Creek Road that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Qualla Boundary in Swain County.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson explains the function of his office
By BROOKLYN BROWN BIGMEAT One Feather Reporter CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The One Feather interviewed Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, to discuss the function of the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of an ongoing criminal justice...
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tribal member releases new titles in “Angelina the Adventure Cat” book series
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is expanding on a book series based on her beloved Maine Coon cat, Angelina.
Cherokee Growing Readers Initiative launches new book: “Brush, Book, Bed”
Kristina Hyatt, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the relational health program director for the Center for Native Health, recently authored a book for the Cherokee Growing Readers Initiative through Unite for Literacy.
Yates named director of WCU Cherokee Center
Western Carolina University has appointed Shalana Yates as director of the Cherokee Center, bringing to the role a strong background in nonprofit operations, tribal government, and leadership.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Nakoa Chiltoskie, traditional talent and knowledge with a smile
Nakoa Chiltoskie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an outstanding example of what a community-minded person should be. She is helpful, friendly, willing to share her vast cultural knowledge; and she does it all with a smile.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), Part 2 of 2
Our plans are not God’s plans. Even Jesus did not win every person He met to believe in Him. We do what we can to plant the seeds of obedience and faith and then pray for the Spirit to do the rest.
March report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of March.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Over 500 anglers compete in Qualla Country Fish Tournament
A total of 518 anglers registered for the Qualla Country Fish Tournament held in Cherokee, N.C. on Aug. 24-25. In all, 86 of those anglers redeemed a total of 155 tags for a total of $12,425 in cash prizes being distributed.
ON THE SIDELINES: Sports teaches teamwork and unity
Prior to the kickoff of the season opener for the Cherokee Braves, seniors Brandon Santiago and Luke Smith, walked, arms locked, to the center of the field for the coin toss.
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s all be more like Will this year
The very first On the Sidelines sports column I wrote many years ago was about Will Poolaw and his dedication to Cherokee Central Schools. As I was selecting a photograph for this week’s Braves Gameday graphic (Cherokee at Smoky Mtn.), I came across a shot I took of Will last season.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Kathleen Talalah
Kathleen Talalah, 60, of Cherokee, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a period of declining health at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
OBITUARY: Jerry Max Raby
It is deep sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Jerry Max Raby, 71, of the Qualla community, who passed away on Tuesday, April 28,2026.
OBITUARY: Patricia Ann Panther
Patricia Ann Panther, 73, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
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
Cherokee Musical Theatre to present “Sister Act”
The comedic antics of Deloris Van Cartier will come to life this spring in the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center as the Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theatre program presents “Sister Act”. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. and Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Learning lessons from the clay; Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opens at Museum
The artistry and beauty of Cherokee pottery was on display at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian as the Gadugi Pottery Exhibit opened on the evening of Friday, April 14. The exhibit featured the works of students from a Community Learning Workshop, hosted by the Museum, which was taught by Tara McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and noted potter.
Gadugi Pottery Exhibit Reception planned
On April 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join students from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI)’s Community Learning pottery class, led by Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), for a reception celebrating “Gadugi Pottery Exhibit,” on view at MCI from April 14 to May 12.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm