NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 22)
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: Regulation of businesses on tribal lands
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Asst. Editor CHEROKEE, N.C. – The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has full regulatory control over businesses operating on its lands. These regulations and authorities are found in Cherokee Code Chapter 106 (Business...
Nunez pleads guilty to second degree murder and felony child abuse
Corbin Lee Nunez plead guilty to second degree murder and felony child abuse in Graham Co. Courthouse on the afternoon of Sept. 18. Nunez murdered his 8-month-old daughter, Lively Crüe Colindres, in February of 2022.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Cherokee Youth Center honors its heart and soul: Staff, Board, and Tribal Government
In a recent heartfelt ceremony filled with gratitude and celebration, the Cherokee Youth Center honored its Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and the steadfast support of the Tribal government—three pillars that continue to uphold its mission of serving Cherokee youth.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation expands efforts to enhance tourism economy
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Dogwood Health Trust to support regional strategies to advance tourism and related economic development.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
COMMENTARY: Ethically speaking
We now have our slate of candidates for the general election of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Out of 24 who will be on the ballot in September for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), 41.7 percent or 11 candidates are attempting to retain their seats.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the light (Part 2 of 2)
Friends… Isn’t it great when you know you have a faithful friend?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves topple Bishop McGuinness in Fourth Round
The Cherokee High School Lady Braves ended the two-year reign of the Bishop McGuinness Lady Villains on the evening of Friday, March 8, at Southwest Guilford High School in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 1A state basketball playoffs.
TRACK & FIELD: CHS competes in WNC Kickoff Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) varsity track and field teams competed in the WNC Kickoff Invitational at the Western Carolina University track on the afternoon of Thursday, March 7.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY – Delores Amelia Cucumber
Delores Amelia Cucumber, age 52, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital.
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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