NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 3)
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.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority partners with TeamHealth at Tsali Care Center
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority has contracted with TeamHealth to provide medical oversight and expanded clinical support at Tsali Care Center beginning Aug. 1.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Blythe-Lewis continuing father’s work as Vision Maker Media celebrates 50 years
For the past 50 years, Native American filmmakers have had their visions seen and voices heard through an organization now known as Vision Maker Media.
WCU to honor Joyce Dugan for decades of service to education, EBCI, WNC
Western Carolina University will award an honorary Doctor of Education to Joyce Conseen Dugan, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, in recognition of her leadership, lifelong commitment to education and contributions to the Cherokee people and western North Carolina.
EBCI members to star in production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars”
Ashlie Blaske and Steve Wood are both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) starring in a production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars,” written by Tlingit actor Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, presented by Sky Bear Media and directed by Nez Perce actor Josephine Keefe, at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Wash.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Where arrogance and ignorance meet – the Crosswalks on the Boundary
It is only by God’s infinite grace that more people are not injured or killed crossing streets in Cherokee, particularly at the eight crosswalks that exist in the downtown area and the ones scattered throughout Acquoni Road and Tsali Blvd.
COMMENTARY: A lesson in transparency from a funeral home
Transparency is a byword in our society. We all seem to understand its importance, but we don’t seem to know what it is. And that is surprising.
THE GOOD STUFF: Dr. Hartwell Francis is positively dedicated to the Cherokee language
For more than two decades, Dr. Hartwell Francis has been dedicated to the preservation of the Cherokee language, and his dedication to the Cherokee people is immense. His smiles and positivity drive his energy in language preservation and learning.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee opens season at Hayesville; CHS and CMS Lady Braves win
The Cherokee Central Schools cross country teams started off their 2024 season at Hayesville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 21, and both the Cherokee High School (CHS) and Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves won the team event in their division.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Bryson Eric Lambert
Bryson Eric Lambert, age 27, of Smyrna, Ga., passed away Friday, May 8, 2026. Bryson was a graduate of Campbell High School.
OBITUARY: Kendra Jean Taylor
Kendra Jean Taylor, 60, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully in her sleep on the night of Friday, May 8, 2026.
OBITUARY: Charles “Cotton” Young
Charles “Cotton” Young, 84, was born on April 4, 1942, and passed on Friday, May 1, 2026 peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.
HAPPENINGS
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.
EBCI Housing Division hosting 12th Annual Cherokee Housing Fair
The EBCI Housing Division will host the 12th Annual Cherokee Housing Fair at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds on Friday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Upcoming Pow Wows for May 24-26
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
“Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” exhibition on display through May
The exhibition “Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy” aims to reinforce the significance of Cherokee masks, their history and use, as well as their meaning and significance.
University of North Carolina Asheville to host “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival
The University of North Carolina Asheville is hosting the “Activating Indigenous Beats: Hip Hop Nativo” Festival and Residency on April 11-14.
Native America Calling receives National Humanities Medal
Native America Calling, a program of the Alaska-based Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal from The National Endowment for the Humanities. The award was presented to Koahnic’s president and chief executive officer, Jaclyn Sallee, by U.S. President Joe Biden at a White House ceremony on Tuesday, March 21.
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Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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