NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
August Planning Board meeting held
The Planning Board of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) monthly meeting was held on the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 17.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 17)
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.
Timber Committee discusses Hellbenders, harvesting plants, firewood, and more
The Timber Committee of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) met on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and discussed a variety of topics including the population of Hellbenders, harvesting various plants, firewood, and more.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Gov. Stein appoints Myra Cloer to Cherokee Preservation Foundation Board of Directors
Myra Cloer is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove). She was appointed to the Cherokee Preservation Foundation Board of Directors by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein in April.
CMS students voice support for Historic Lands Reacquisition Act
Students in David Pringle’s 8th grade social study class at Cherokee Middle School are letting their voices be heard in regards to Cherokee getting back an important piece of land.
Former Ugvwiyuhi Lambert shares his story in “The River”
Patrick H. Lambert, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has poured his heart and soul into a new book. “The River: A Cherokee Principal Chief’s Fight for Family, Truth, and Vindication” chronicles his life which has included many historical moments for the EBCI.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: She showed up for 13 years and so did her community.
When I spoke with Ava Walkingstick, Youth of the Year Nominee, her Cherokee Youth Center Manager, and the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tar Heel Region, I expected to hear a success story. What I heard was something deeper — a testament to what happens when a community refuses to leave its young people behind.
COMMENTARY: You are not alone. You are not broken
Good evening everyone. My name is Marissa Bradley-Ward and I am a person in long term recovery from Substance Use challenges.
COMMENTARY: We should all do less nose-thumbing and more listening.
I recently had coffee with a friend who was sharing frustration about a coworker who neglected or ignored duties.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves keep rolling with win at Murphy
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves continued their winning ways with a team victory at a meet in Murphy, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The team won with a score of 30 followed by Murphy with 62.
The Tsalagi Cougars are going for gold
The Tsalagi Cougars are the regional cheer group competing in the North Carolina Senior Games. Beginning last year and earning a second-place medal, the team, representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has grown in numbers and excitement, gunning for first place at the 2024 Senior Games happening in Raleigh Sept. 16-22.
ON THE SIDELINES: The will to win
Covering Lady Braves Volleyball was one of my very first beats when I began as a reporter with the One Feather in October 2023.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Justin Patrick Adams
Justin Patrick Adams, age 45, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Greenville, S.C., to Bryan Adams and the late Pamela Conseen Adams.
OBITUARY: William David Walkingstick
William David Walkingstick, 77, an Eastern Band Cherokee, N.C. native, who resided in Louisville, Tenn., passed away on the evening of Friday, May 29, 2026.
OBITUARY: Michael Lacaine Laws
Michael Lacaine Laws, 53, of the Lower Alarka Community, went home to be with the Lord Monday, June 1, 2026. A native of Swain County, he was the son of Sarah Reva Jenkins of Bryson City and the late James Harold Laws.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm