NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi passes Ord. No. 184 prohibiting caging of bears
On the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 6, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed Ordinance No. 184 (2026) “…amending Chapter 19 regarding caging bears on Tribal lands.” The ordinance prohibits the caging of bears on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The ordinance change was originally submitted by Mary Crowe, an EBCI tribal elder from Elawodi (Yellowhill).
Dinilawigi votes to finalize conveyance of Fort Butler Park to EBCI
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) approved legislation authorizing EBCI Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks to finalize a recent conveyance of Fort Butler Park to the EBCI from the Town of Murphy, N.C.
EBCI reverses decision and decides to remain in NCAI organization
Seven months after voting for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to (EBCI) leave the NCAI (National Congress of American Indians), Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has approved legislation for it to remain in the organization.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is SCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
Cherokee Historical Association announces renovations and improvements
Laura Blythe, Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) program director, said there are several renovations and improvements completed and underway for the Oconaluftee Indian Village and Unto These Hills Mountainside Theater.
Cherokee Central Schools 8th Grade and High School Concert Band earns Excellent Rating
The Cherokee Central Schools 8th Grade and High School Concert Band earned an Excellent Rating at the Trills and Thrills Music Festival held at William Blount High School in Alcoa, Tenn. on Saturday, April 25.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Just missed Him
A plethora of verses can be found that reveal how all of Israel, except for the disciples and followers of Jesus, discounted Him as Lord.
COMMENTARY: An honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work
I have been in the workforce since 1976, so for about half a century.
Ask a Therapist: “Who’s your People” – Everyone knows me. So, why am I still lonely?
I grew up here. People know me or my family. Everyone is friendly, but no one is actually inviting me to things. I feel lonely, which makes no sense because I’m not new here. What do I do? How do you make friends as an adult, it feels pathetic even asking this?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
FISHING: Tim Hill Memorial tournament draws over 400 anglers
A total of 407 anglers registered for the Tim Hill Memorial Fish Tournament held in Cherokee, N.C. on July 13-14.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Dustin Thomas Smith
Dustin Thomas Smith, age 21, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
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.
HAPPENINGS
Lew Harding stands strong for those that have fallen
There are a lot of ways to describe Lew Harding. War hero and community leader are two that come to mind. The first way he would probably describe himself is as a proud grandfather.
Michigan metal band coming back to Cherokee for show
Michigan-based heavy metal band Heartsick will return to Cherokee to headline a five-band show next month.
Upcoming Pow Wows for May 17-19
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