NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Senate passes resolution recognizing National Native American Heritage Month
The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan Senate resolution on Wednesday, Nov. 19, led by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), the vice chairman, recognizing November 2025 as National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the enduring cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
Resolution seeks to halt constitution opinion referendum
During an Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on Oct. 21, legislation was passed that approved a referendum regarding opinions on the future of the work being done on a constitution for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Mary Crowe, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from Elawodi (Yellowhill), has now submitted a resolution asking that Dinilawigi rescind the legislation approving the referendum.
Ceremonial Grounds project about to start
The structures at the Ceremonial Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. were demolished several years ago, and the property has sat idle since. That is all about to change.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tafoya receives prestigious art award
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya has been named one of 10 recipients of the LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artist Award given by the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF). Tafoya, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with Santa Clara Pueblo heritage, is a multi-medium visual artist who has a love of basketry.
Previously unseen photo of Charles George donated to Post
A new photo of PFC Charles George, Medal of Honor recipient, has surfaced. The photo, which shows PFC George with his unit during the Korean War, was donated to the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 for its museum during a meeting at Post Headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Monday, Aug. 18.
“Moving Forward, Standing Strong”: EBCI to host ATALM Conference in October
Over 1,500 people working in the field of tribal archives, libraries, and museums will convene in Cherokee in two months for a conference with the slogan of “Moving Forward, Standing Strong”. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is set to host the annual conference of the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, N.C. on Oct. 7-9.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Division, Part 2 of 2
When we see division, we should immediately become peacemakers.
THE GOOD STUFF: Stuttering is ok and you’re allowed to take your time
You might be wondering why I’m writing one of my Good Stuff columns about a neurological disorder, and that’s a fair question. I’ve stuttered since early childhood, and it has been a lifetime of ups and downs regarding my speech.
COMMENTARY: Language Revitalization requires a winner’s mentality
There is a great urgency to our language revitalization efforts; we feel it every day. If we’re not careful, that urgency can feel like anxiety, dread, or even defeat. But urgency does not mean defeat; it means there’s an opportunity that we can seize.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee team participates in meet at Murphy
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track team participated in a multi-school meet held at the Murphy High School track on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 20.
BASKETBALL: Big Smoky Mountain All-Conference lists
BASKETBALL: Big Smoky Mountain All-Conference lists
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee Middle participates in Hayesville meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track and field team participated in a multi-school meet at the Hayesville High School track in Hayesville, N.C. on the chilly afternoon of Monday, March 18.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Thomas Keith Parker
Thomas Keith Parker, “Tom” as he was better known, age 81, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr.
Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr., 67, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, after a long illness. Surrounded by love, he was joyfully reunited with his precious grandson, Kobe Gavin, whom he loved and missed with all his heart.
OBITUARY: Jeremiah Taylor
Jeremiah Taylor, age 63, of the Big Cove Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at his residence after a period of declining health.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for May 10-12
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for May 3-5
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for April 26-28
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