NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Breaking ground on the EBCI Evidence Building
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the future Evidence Building on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Cherokee Cablevision provides update on Tribal Fiber Project
The Cherokee Cablevision (CCV) Board has made the decision to make every home and business in Phases 1 and 2 fiber-ready, regardless of current service interest.
Mingo Falls Revitalization celebrated with Ribbon Cutting
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) celebrated the completion of the Mingo Falls revitalization project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Traveling traditionally: Anthony Lett enjoys dancing and traveling
Anthony Lett, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been in the pow wow dance arena for most of his life.
A father’s footsteps and a mother’s hands: The PostOaks enjoy going to pow wows as a family
Amy PostOak, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), and Johnny PostOak, Mvskoke, are the husband and wife who own and operate Three Sisters Design & Supply.
Dancing into Legacy: The Bottchenbaughs
Bernice and Rick Bottchenbaugh, elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove) and champion traditional powwow dancers, have been dancing with their children since the early eighties.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Better teachers (Part 1 of 2)
I hope to encourage church fellowship to follow God’s commission and commandments to make disciples who love one another.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: LGBTQ should have equal rights in EBCI
Nobody, not one LGBTQ person should be unable to get married on the Rez nor be unable to have their marriages recognized.
THE GOOD STUFF: Katelynn Ledford-McCoy keeps running and inspiring
Katelynn Ledford-McCoy is a light and source of inspiration in the Cherokee community. She was recently chosen to be on the Native Women Run (NWR) team for the Chicago Marathon set for Sunday, Oct. 12.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves bring home State Title
On the evening of Friday, March 15 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, the Cherokee Lady Braves defeated the East Columbus Gators in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 1A State Championship, earning the state basketball title for the second time in school history since the first title in 1996.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in meet at Montreat College
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team participated in the Swain County High School Invitational meet held at the Montreat College track in Black Mountain, N.C. on the afternoon of Thursday, March 14. A.C. Reynolds won both the men’s and women’s team events.
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves win Western Regionals, advance to State Championship
On the evening of Monday, March 11 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial (LJVM) Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C., the (#3) Lady Braves basketball team defeated (#1) Mountain Heritage, earning the title of North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 1A Western Regional Champions, with a final score of 64 -51.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Vivian Burgess Owle
Vivian Burgess Owle, 85 of the Birdtown Community, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Friday, July 25, 2025.She was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
OBITUARY: Frieda Marlene Brown
Frieda Marlene Brown, born Jan. 13, 1939, in Graham County, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. A lifelong resident of the Snowbird Community, Frieda was known for her unwavering devotion to her family and faith. She never failed to make an entrance – always fashionably late, and always with a presence that filled the room.
OBITUARY: Michael Dean Owle “Deano”
It is with a mix of sadness and celebration that we announce the passing of Michael Dean Owle “Deano”, who left this world and departed into eternity, on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 58 after an extensive battle with cancer.
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
Cherokee writer selected for prestigious poetry event
Indigenous Nations Poets (In-Na-Po) is set to hold its Inaugural Retreat event next month, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be one of the participating poets. Mary Leauna Christensen is one of 16 poets selected for the event scheduled for Washington, D.C. on April 25-29.
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”.
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