NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Big Cove Ponds dredging plans happening soon
The three ponds on Big Cove Road that sit adjacent to KOA campground, which are owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and managed by EBCI Fisheries & Wildlife Management, were drained mid-summer to prepare for dredging due to low water levels and high water temperatures.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 2)
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.
EBCI Government Explained: Control of open burning
With fall quickly approaching, let’s delve into the law surrounding open burning on the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). This subject can be found in Chapter 113C of the Cherokee Code.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Unto These Hills” set to celebrate its diamond anniversary
“Unto These Hills”, the outdoor drama that tells the story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is set to celebrate its diamond anniversary (75 years) this year.
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.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER: Reflections on Memorial Day
I was privileged to attend our Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26. It was beautifully done and overwhelming in its significance.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: An old African Proverb
Many people decline to participate in the ministry because they feel they have nothing to offer. They are not speakers, teachers, leaders, or educators, and they do not think they are a vital part of the body of Christ.
COMMENTARY: Truth and Transparency in Journalism
I can understand how frustrating it must be to be a government official these days. In a world where even the most delicate item about a person’s personal life can be easily “pulled up” on a website or social media page, readers can find out most things about most people and things in a few moments of research online.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: Braves and Lady Braves carry on a legacy
Cherokee High School (CHS) basketball held an Alumni Night on the evening of Friday, Feb. 2 in Charles George Memorial Arena. Braves and Lady Braves basketball players from previous years were honored at halftime.
BASKETBALL: Black uniforms not acceptable for a community elder
On the evening of Jan. 17, in the Central Office Board Room, the School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) unanimously agreed to honor the request of the Lady Braves basketball team to purchase black, maroon and gold uniforms.
WRESTLING: Cherokee H.S. wrestlers place at SMC Championship
Several members of the Cherokee High School (CHS) wrestling team placed at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship held at Swain Co. High School on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 23.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: John Gerald Walker
John Gerald Walker was born on Feb. 5, 1952 as a birthday gift to his mom Leois Evans Walker and his awesome dad George Walker.
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.
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
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.
The Queen House Gallery offers opportunity to Cherokee artists
The Queen House Gallery opens Friday, Oct. 8 and will feature classic and contemporary work from all Native American artists.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm













