NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
May Editorial Board meeting held
The monthly Editorial Board meeting of the Cherokee One Feather was held on the morning of May 21 in the Ginger Lynn Welch Poke Salad Room. The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Editorial Board Chairperson Brooklyn Brown.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (May 19)
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 introduced following the new bills for the week.
Roads Commission meeting held; Police Commissioner Joseph “Buddy” Johnson raises concerns
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Roads Commission meeting was held on the morning of Monday, May 18. The meeting was called to order at 9:01 a.m. by Dinilawigi Taline Gahvsgi (Tribal Council Vice Chairman) David Wolfe.
Qualla Open Air Indian Art Market
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Unrelenting”: New exhibit at Museum to tell Cherokee perspective of ‘250’
The United States of America is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, and the Museum of the Cherokee People is dedicated to making sure that a Cherokee voice is included. The Museum is set to open a new exhibit on Tuesday, March 17 entitled “Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution”.
The Center for Native Health welcomes new Executive Board members
Officials at The Center for Native Health state, “We are excited to start the new year by welcoming our newest Executive Board Members, Jennifer Thompson and Savannah Hicks Baylon, to The Center for Native Health.”
Dr. Lisa Lefler named Honorary Member of EBCI
On the morning of Thursday, Feb. 5, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) voted unanimously to name Dr. Lisa Lefler an Honorary Member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Cracked Pot
How often do you hear from those around you, “What can I do?” with the tenor of failure? Your choice to motivate others in service suggests we change these exact words into a tenor of service – “What can I do for God?”
COMMENTARY: Whatever we do, we should do with gusto
We have experienced the resulting apathy within our own community. When someone advocates for change, there will always be those who hang their Eeyore-like heads and say, “Oh, bother. They are bringing this up again. Don’t they know it will never work?” or “Why are they trying this?
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Cats vs. Dogs, Part 2 of 2
When they both learn that strange animals are not their friends, cats become dog haters, and dogs become cat haters
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Ward signs to play basketball, volleyball at Johnson & Wales
Loshi Ward, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), will be a two-sport athlete at the next level.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts multi-school meet
Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted a multi-school meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 24.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Lady Braves win Smoky Mountain Conference championship
The Cherokee Lady Braves Middle School track team edged Hayesville Middle by 3.5 points to win the 2024 Smoky Mountain Middle School Track & Field Championship.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Kellie Ann Bridgeman
Kellie Ann Bridgeman, born on Sept. 7, 1976, in Haywood County, N.C., passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Kellie’s life was defined by her deep love for her family, friends, and the animals she cherished.
OBITUARY: Lola Owl Blankenship
Lola Owl Blankenship, age 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. She was born on June 5, 1960, in Toombs County, Ga., and spent most of her life in Cherokee, N.C., where she built a life centered on family, friendship, and laughter.
OBITUARY: Dr. Gwang Soo Han
Dr. Gwang Soo Han, a dedicated and leading physician, a tireless advocate for the community, and a devoted husband of 60 years, passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2026, at the age of 86 following a brief illness.
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
New Cherokee Language Choir finding their tune
Many Monday afternoons are unremarkable, but on this particular Monday Seli and Geyadi were moving a mile a minute.
CHA cancels spring run of “Alice”
“Alice in Wonderland” will not be returning to the Mountainside Theatre in 2023.
Friends leading Cherokee copper work revitalization
Up a winding mountain road by a beautiful stream, just past the campus of Western Carolina University, is a metalworking shop where three men are practicing an art that has been done by Cherokee people in these mountains for thousands of years.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm