NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) candidate questionnaire (Question #3)
Question #3: Do you see the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians having a constitution in the next five years? If so, how do we get there – and if not, why?
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
DOI directs Lumbee to go through Congress
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a state-recognized group, was the subject of a Presidential Memorandum on Jan. 23, 2025 regarding its bid for federal acknowledgement. The memorandum directed the Department of Interior (DOI) to develop a plan, within 90 days, “to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms”.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Smokies Life selects Jim and Leslie Costa as 2025 Steve Kemp Writers in Residence
Smokies Life has announced Jim and Leslie Costa as the recipients of its 2025 Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency. During their residency, the North Carolina-based couple plans to continue work already underway to write and illustrate a forthcoming field guide to the Smokies insects to be published by Smokies Life.
CIHA names 2025 Hayes Award and Employee of the Year recipients
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the recipients of its highest employee honors for 2025: Jason Sain, winner of the Hayes Award for Quality and Safety, and Rhiannon Spicer, named Employee of the Year.
“The past shaped us”: CHS Class of 2025 graduates most ever with 100
Cherokee High School (CHS) held the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. The class had the most graduates in school history with 100 seniors graduating.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Soldier’s Perspective – Part 3
I know you are not reading this for a history lesson on the life of a Roman soldier but now think about what Paul was saying when he wrote this. As soldiers for Christ, we must be willing and ready as dedicated and enlisted soldiers for His work 24/7 and not be distracted by our civilian life.
COMMENTARY: I chew my cookies slowly
As I reach the golden age of 65 within a couple of weeks of this writing, anything that might shorten my days tends to catch my eye. I am an information junkie.
COMMENTARY: Goonies never say die
In the newsroom, we often hear about the “death of newspapers.” But, as a reporter at the One Feather, I do not worry about the death of our newspaper.
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: Shaina Marie Taylor
Shaina Marie Taylor, 34, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
OBITUARY: Peggy Owle Wolfe
Peggy Owle Wolfe, 71, of Cherokee, went home to be with her Heavenly Father, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd Solomon and Betty Bradley Owle.
OBITUARY: John M. Curlee
John M. Curlee, or as we all knew him, “Mark”, passed peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Mark worked hard and played hard. He loved his family, his construction career and riding his Harley Davidson.
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
Annual Spring Literary Festival returns to WCU campus with live events
After two years being held as an online celebration, Western Carolina University’s Spring Literary Festival returns to campus March 14-17 for a series of live events.
Tribal member a finalist for Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award
The Western North Carolina Historical Association announced the selection of five finalists for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award recently and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is included. Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle was nominated for her book, “Even As We Breathe: A Novel”.
Cherokee National Treasure Betty Frogg featured in new exhibit
“Betty Christie Frogg: Carrying Her Culture” is on display at Cherokee Nation’s Saline Courthouse Museum.
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