NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI Public Health expands Public Health Vending Machine Initiative
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Public Health is expanding its innovative Public Health Vending Machine Initiative with the addition of two new vending machines, bringing the total to 12 locations across tribal communities.
EBCI Government Explained: Department of Justice and Attorney General
The Department of Justice was created for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) with the passage of Ord. No. 118 on Feb. 4, 2016. This legislation also set an Attorney General as the director of this new department.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 9)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
“We are still here”: Annual Kituwah Celebration held
A light, constant breeze blew through the area as Cherokee songs were sung, anetso (stickball) was played, and Cherokee people came together to celebrate at Kituwah – the Mother Town of the Cherokee.
LETTER: Yellowhill Baptist Church cemetery is at capacity
Greetings from the Yellowhill Baptist Church, we are writing you this letter to inform you all of a decision that was discussed and agreed upon by the Pastor and the members of the Yellowhill Baptist Church.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
Ugvwiyuhi Hicks and Ugvwiyuhi Hoskin Jr. respond to Ann Coulter’s tweet
Following are responses from Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Ugvwiyuhi Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation, to a tweet (right) from Ann Coulter.
COMMENTARY: Reservation Dogs (and Cats)
I routinely travel over Soco Mountain on my commute to and from work. It is a pretty drive during most times of the year, and it is a great time to reflect on and sometimes detoxify from what can be a frustrating, confusing, and thought-provoking workday.
THE GOOD STUFF: John Henry Gloyne shares culture through art and tattoos
The late Irish poet Oscar Wilde once said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” That sentiment describes John Henry Gloyne who is an incredible artist who always brings a powerful message.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts three-school meet
Cherokee Middle School (CMS) hosted Robbinsville Middle School and Swain Co. Middle School in a three-school meet on the afternoon of Monday, March 4.
BASKETBALL: The ‘ships are coming in! Braves, Lady Braves win SMC tourneys
The Charles George Memorial Arena was absolutely filled to the brim on Friday, Feb. 23, and fans of Cherokee High School basketball were treated to a show. The Cherokee Braves and Lady Braves both won the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament titles that night continuing their winning ways as both teams also won the regular season titles.
FOOTBALL: Climbingbear signs to play at Keiser University
Luke Climbingbear, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 21 to play football this fall at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Fla.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lucy Taylor Bigmeat
Lucy Taylor Bigmeat, 94, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., went home to Paradise on June 20, 2025, surrounded by her family members. Born to William Taylor and Cecelia Standingdeer, she lived there until she met the love of her life, Mark Welch Bigmeat, and they made their home in Flint, Michigan, until 1972 before returning to Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Robert Cooper
Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
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
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”.
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.
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