NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 15)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Asst. Editor 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...
EBCI Government Explained: Parades and demonstrations
The first amendment of the United States Constitution includes the “right of the people peaceably to assemble”, and this is also covered in the Cherokee Code of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Traveling traditionally: Anthony Lett enjoys dancing and traveling
Anthony Lett, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been in the pow wow dance arena for most of his life.
A father’s footsteps and a mother’s hands: The PostOaks enjoy going to pow wows as a family
Amy PostOak, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), and Johnny PostOak, Mvskoke, are the husband and wife who own and operate Three Sisters Design & Supply.
Dancing into Legacy: The Bottchenbaughs
Bernice and Rick Bottchenbaugh, elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove) and champion traditional powwow dancers, have been dancing with their children since the early eighties.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the Light, Part 1 of 2
Many people do not have the vision to see the power of God in themselves. They lack confidence in themselves, which is a lack of faith in God who lives within them.
THE GOOD STUFF: Talking Trees Trout Derby is a great catch for families
Every year, over a thousand children, with parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles in tow, fill the Oconaluftee Island Park on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.) for the annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
COMMENTARY: Cherokee Women showed out in the Primary
On the evening of July 17, congratulatory remarks erupted across Facebook as several women running for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tallied impressive numbers in the unofficial results of the Primary Election.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves bring home State Title
On the evening of Friday, March 15 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, the Cherokee Lady Braves defeated the East Columbus Gators in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 1A State Championship, earning the state basketball title for the second time in school history since the first title in 1996.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in meet at Montreat College
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team participated in the Swain County High School Invitational meet held at the Montreat College track in Black Mountain, N.C. on the afternoon of Thursday, March 14. A.C. Reynolds won both the men’s and women’s team events.
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves win Western Regionals, advance to State Championship
On the evening of Monday, March 11 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial (LJVM) Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C., the (#3) Lady Braves basketball team defeated (#1) Mountain Heritage, earning the title of North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 1A Western Regional Champions, with a final score of 64 -51.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lucy Taylor Bigmeat
Lucy Taylor Bigmeat, 94, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., went home to Paradise on June 20, 2025, surrounded by her family members. Born to William Taylor and Cecelia Standingdeer, she lived there until she met the love of her life, Mark Welch Bigmeat, and they made their home in Flint, Michigan, until 1972 before returning to Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Robert Cooper
Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.
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.
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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