NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 12)
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.
Planning Board holds December meeting
On the afternoon of Dec. 15, 2025, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Project Management and Planning team provided project updates to the Planning Board, led by manager Rebecca Bowe.
EBCI set to leave NCAI in October
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will leave the NCAI (National Congress of American Indians) at the end of September.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Hyatt returns to his roots as Mainspring’s new executive director
When Sylva resident Jeremy Hyatt looks across the landscape of western North Carolina, he doesn’t just see beautiful scenery — he sees his childhood.
Woodcarving Club starts up in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) member, carver and art collector Driver Blythe has started a biweekly woodcarving club at the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Building with renowned Cherokee carvers Davy Arch and Dewey Owle.
“A sacred space”: Kuwohi Connection Day held to educate students
The low-hanging clouds, mostly blue skies, and brisk temperature made for a magical morning as area students attended Kuwohi Connection Day at Kuwohi (Mulberry Place) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 9.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Micah Swimmer shares culture and hope
I have known Micah Swimmer for years, and one thing that has always impressed me about him is his hope surrounding Cherokee culture and language. Whenever I see him at events, he is always sharing and educating.
COMMENTARY: When one of ours betrays us – An apology to the Eastern Band
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has co-sponsored a bill to grant recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina – a state-recognized group whose ancestry and identity have long been a source of deep controversy among neighboring Native nations.
COMMENTARY: To Senator Mullin
During the Legislative Hearing on the Lumbee Fairness Act on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 5, United States Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, made some remarks that are damaging to the Cherokee people – Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – and the rest of Indian Country.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts meet
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team hosted a five-school meet on Wednesday, March 27.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD: CMS Lady Braves edge Hayesville to win home meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves edged Hayesville Middle School by two points (99-97) to win a meet held at the Cherokee High School track on the windy afternoon of Monday, March 25.
FOOTBALL: Grant signs to play at Mars Hill University
Another member of the Cherokee Braves football team is headed to play at the next level. Mato Grant, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent on Friday, March 22, 2024 to play football this fall at Mars Hill University.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Carly Elizabeth Johnson
Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Her unexpected departure has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her most.
OBITUARY: Mystical Parker
Mystical Parker, 54, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away after a period of declining health on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Patricia Goodson Ensley
Patricia Goodson Ensley, 69, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. A native of Haywood County and longtime resident of Cherokee N.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles Junior and Alice Irene Goodson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Ricky Dean Goodson.
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
EBCI-driven short film aims for proper representation
A new short film entitled “Stripper” was written, directed, and produced by Anthony Sneed, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. In fact, the movie was shot in Cherokee, and all but one of the speaking parts went to EBCI tribal members.
Cherokee Syllabary Exhibit wins Award of Excellence; Museum acquires work by artist
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) and Asheville Art Museum have been awarded the North Carolina Museums Council’s 2021 Award of Excellence for the collaborative exhibition A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary in Contemporary Art.
Winners announced at annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale, Cherokee Art Market Youth Competition
The longest-running Native American art show and competition in Oklahoma announced its top honors during a virtual reception on April 1, alongside winning work from the Cherokee Art Market Youth Competition.
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