NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Timber Committee discusses Hellbenders, harvesting plants, firewood, and more
The Timber Committee of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) met on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and discussed a variety of topics including the population of Hellbenders, harvesting various plants, firewood, and more.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Police Commission holds August meeting; community members express concerns
The Cherokee Police Commission monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 12 p.m. in the Ginger Lynn Welch Poke Salad Room. Secretary Israel Rodriguez (At-Large) presided over the meeting in the absence of Gahvsgi (Chairperson) Anita Lossiah (Elawodi, Yellowhill) and Taline Gahvsgi (Vice Chairperson) Gene Tunney Crowe (Tsisqwohi, Birdtown).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Central Schools 8th Grade and High School Concert Band earns Excellent Rating
The Cherokee Central Schools 8th Grade and High School Concert Band earned an Excellent Rating at the Trills and Thrills Music Festival held at William Blount High School in Alcoa, Tenn. on Saturday, April 25.
Bear Preparedness Tips from EBCI Natural Resources
Caleb Hickman, fish and wildlife biologist and supervisor for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources department, shared some information and preparedness tips on black bears as the summer months increase bear sightings and activity.
Blythe-Lewis continuing father’s work as Vision Maker Media celebrates 50 years
For the past 50 years, Native American filmmakers have had their visions seen and voices heard through an organization now known as Vision Maker Media.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Where arrogance and ignorance meet – the Crosswalks on the Boundary
It is only by God’s infinite grace that more people are not injured or killed crossing streets in Cherokee, particularly at the eight crosswalks that exist in the downtown area and the ones scattered throughout Acquoni Road and Tsali Blvd.
COMMENTARY: A lesson in transparency from a funeral home
Transparency is a byword in our society. We all seem to understand its importance, but we don’t seem to know what it is. And that is surprising.
THE GOOD STUFF: Dr. Hartwell Francis is positively dedicated to the Cherokee language
For more than two decades, Dr. Hartwell Francis has been dedicated to the preservation of the Cherokee language, and his dedication to the Cherokee people is immense. His smiles and positivity drive his energy in language preservation and learning.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Memorial Day Fish Tournament draws 529 anglers to Cherokee
The 2024 Memorial Day Fish Tournament, hosted by the EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Natural Resources Dept., was held in Cherokee, N.C. on May 25-26.
CHS presents Specialty Athletic Awards
Cherokee High School Athletics presented its specialty awards during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the afternoon of Thursday, May 23.
TRACK & FIELD: Swain sweeps team state titles; Several CHS athletes place
Swain Co. High School won both the men’s and women’s team titles at the 1A State Track & Field Championship held at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, N.C. on Monday, May 20.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Velma Jean McMillan Hemphill
Velma Jean McMillan Hemphill, 82, of the 3200 Acre Tract, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 after a long illness. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Ray and Edna Owle McMillan and wife of the late Henry Hayse Robertson and Charles Hemphill.
OBITUARY: Robyn Michelle Bigmeat
Robyn Michelle Bigmeat, age 54, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at her residence in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Sherry Daniels Pheasant
Sherry Daniels Pheasant, 64, of the Big Cove Community of Cherokee, N.C., passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, after a long battle with cancer.
HAPPENINGS
Chief Dugan to speak at Savvy event at Harrah’s Cherokee
Former Principal Chief Joyce Dugan will be the keynote speaker at a Savvy event at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Wednesday, April 17.
Upcoming Pow Wows for April 19-21
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.
ZZ Top to play Harrah’s Cherokee
ZZ Top will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Oct. 11. Tickets go on sale at ticketmaster.com on Friday, April 12.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Kansas returns to Cherokee
After 10 years, prolific rock band Kansas is coming back to the mountains of North Carolina and will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort this Saturday, June 25.
Beautiful statements: EBCI tribal member participates in Atlanta art show
Three Cherokee citizens are featured in a new art show at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. Luzene Hill, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, joins Cherokee Nation citizens Brenda Mallory and Kade Twist in the show entitled “Returns: Cherokee Diaspora and Art” which will run from Saturday, June 11 and runs until Sept. 4.
“Night of Gadugi” highlights Cultural Summer School
Cherokee culture and language were showcased during the “Night of Gadugi” at Cherokee Central Schools on the evening of Monday, June 13. The event featured art displays and performances by the students who completed the Cherokee Cultural Summer School program.
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