NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
“Gadugi”: Cherokee High School Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony
The Commencement Ceremony for the Cherokee High School (CHS) Class of 2026 was held on the morning of Saturday, May 23 in the Charles George Memorial Arena for 92 graduates.
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.
Qualla Open Air Indian Art Market
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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).
Dementia Prevention
Did you know food choices can preserve your brain function?
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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
THE GOOD STUFF: Dallas Bennett is a great example of a future leader
In a One Feather “grad profile” in April 2020, Dallas Bennett said he plans to run for Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) one day.
EDITORIAL: Proposed Ordinance 107 (2026) will shield community information from the tribal members
The Attorney General submitted proposed legislation to withhold internal audit and ethics report findings from the community.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in meet at Hayesville
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track team participated in a multi-school meet at Hayesville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 17.
Atlanta Braves to host Third Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the third annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 7-9. The top high school baseball players of Native American descent from around North America will participate in a pro-style workout on Saturday, June 8 and a showcase game on Sunday, June 9.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY: Donald A. “Duck” Brady
Donald Allen Brady, age 76, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on March 10, 2026 at Tsali Care Center, Cherokee, N.C. surrounded by his loving sisters.
OBITUARY: Mrs. Bambi Lynn Sneed
Mrs. Bambi Lynn Sneed, a woman whose life was defined by love, culture, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community, passed from this world leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shine for generations.
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
Thompson recognized by First Peoples Fund for artistic excellence
Mary Welch Thompson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from the Big Cove Community, has been selected to receive a prestigious art award. She is one of four recipients in Indian Country to receive the 2023 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award given by the First Peoples Fund.
Dracula returns to Cherokee
“Last year we built it, and I feel like this year we’re crafting it,” said Bailey Frankenberg, who plays Lucy Westerna in “Dracula: The Failings of Men”.
“Disruption” shakes up Museum of the Cherokee Indian exhibit
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is switching gears on its permanent exhibit and taking funerary and ceremonial objects off display. Taking these items off display created holes in the exhibit which have been filled with contemporary Cherokee art pieces.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm