NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
MMIW: IWMF One-Year Grant in Review
From January 2024 to January 2025, with help from a year-long grant awarded by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Fund for Indigenous Journalists: Reporting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Transgender People (MMIWG2T), the Cherokee One Feather has worked to cover as many of the 35+ documented Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) cases as possible with articles and graphics. With the grant year complete, we have compiled an overview of the coverage and developments.
Cherokee Nation withdraws from Tri-Council
One of the three legs of the tripod that is Tri-Council has decided to withdraw from participation. The Legislative Branch of the Cherokee Nation (Okla.) passed Res. No. 24-114 on Monday, Dec. 16 withdrawing their tribe from the Tri-Council which is an annual meeting of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (N.C.), the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (Okla.).
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians celebrates grand opening of Caesars Virginia
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) joined Caesars Entertainment on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to celebrate the grand opening of the highly anticipated Caesars Virginia casino & resort. Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, alongside members of his Executive team and Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), attended the event, marking a significant milestone in EBCI’s ongoing partnership with Caesars Entertainment.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Uktena Underground: Cherokee men in the 21st Century
Brothers Cory Junaluska and Kyzik Wachacha, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), have started a new podcast and clothing brand called Uktena Underground.
Those 3 NDN’s: Giggles and ghosts
Humor is one of the seven Cherokee core values. Friends Daltun “Falls a Lot” Watty, Justin “Running Snake” Lambert, and Gatlin “Squats to Pee” West have enveloped that core value fully with their YouTube channel, “Those 3 NDN’s”.
Cherokee High School 1st Quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 1st Quarter Honor Roll
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: We want your input. The community needs you.
While the tribal government recognizes the need for free speech and a free press, they sometimes balk at the release of information that, by all measurements, belongs to the members of our tribe.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The Old, Old Story
“If the presence of God is in the church, the church will draw the world in. If the presence of God is not in the church, the world will draw the church out.”-Charles Grandison Finney
LETTER: Statement from EBCI demands apology from Senator Tillis for offensive remarks
Last week, Senator Thom Tillis launched an emotional tirade on the Senate floor, targeting hundreds of tribal leaders and respected Native organizations with baseless accusations.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: The ‘ships are coming in! Braves, Lady Braves win SMC tourneys
The Charles George Memorial Arena was absolutely filled to the brim on Friday, Feb. 23, and fans of Cherokee High School basketball were treated to a show. The Cherokee Braves and Lady Braves both won the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament titles that night continuing their winning ways as both teams also won the regular season titles.
FOOTBALL: Climbingbear signs to play at Keiser University
Luke Climbingbear, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 21 to play football this fall at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Fla.
ON THE SIDELINES: Sportsmanship can be contagious
I’ve covered a good many Cherokee vs. Swain Co. athletic contests over the years, and it’s always an interesting time between the two rivals. The Lady Braves hosted the Lady Maroon Devils at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 6, and I witnessed a small, but very important, display of sportsmanship that I hope is contagious.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Agnes Irene Price Gerding
Agnes I. Gerding went peacefully to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the age of 94.
OBITUARY: Bernard Kenneth Biddle Jr.
Bernard Kenneth Biddle Jr., age 73, also known as “Kenny”, passed away at Vero Health and Rehab on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Lloyd Leslie Ledford
Lloyd Leslie Ledford, age 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for May 31 – June 2
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“Searching for Sequoyah” documentary to explore his life
“Searching for Sequoyah”, produced by James M. Fortier and LeAnne Howe, will air on PBS stations nationwide starting in November and examines not only that major accomplishment but also the man’s intriguing life.
Wildcatt places at 26th annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show
Winners of the 26th annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show & Sale were announced Friday, Aug. 27 during a virtual awards presentation, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians won two awards.
Qualla Arts & Crafts celebrates 75 years of craft excellence
Seventy-five years to the day, officials at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. (Qualla) celebrated the start of one of the most successful Native American craft co-ops in the country.
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