NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI to redesign gateway signage to better reflect history and culture
The signs welcoming people to the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be getting a facelift soon.
CCS School Board holds August meeting, discusses first day back for teachers and staff
On the evening of Monday, Aug. 3, the Cherokee Central Schools Board of Education met in the Central Office Board Room. Chairperson Jennifer Thompson called the meeting to order at 4:47 p.m.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 3)
The One Feather provides 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
WCU to honor Joyce Dugan for decades of service to education, EBCI, WNC
Western Carolina University will award an honorary Doctor of Education to Joyce Conseen Dugan, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, in recognition of her leadership, lifelong commitment to education and contributions to the Cherokee people and western North Carolina.
EBCI members to star in production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars”
Ashlie Blaske and Steve Wood are both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) starring in a production of “Where the Summit Meets the Stars,” written by Tlingit actor Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, presented by Sky Bear Media and directed by Nez Perce actor Josephine Keefe, at Harlequin Productions in Olympia, Wash.
Domestic Violence Program invites community to join “Denim Day”
EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program invites the community to join in “Denim Day”, an annual day of recognition for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Participate by wearing your finest denim in support of victims on Wednesday, April 29.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: He Thinks of Us, Part 2 of 2
The Psalm begins with how God knows us (ALL of us) and our every move, regardless of how small or insignificant. He also knows our thoughts. He knows where you are going, when you will rest, and all your ways of doing things
SPEAKING OF FAITH: He Thinks of Us, Part 1 of 2
When we think of God, we often think He is there but unattached until we call upon Him. However, those who forget how close He is must be reminded that our God is mighty and powerful and always with us.
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: Bernadine S. Bradley
On Friday, May 1, 2026, Bernadine S. Bradley, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
OBITUARY: Goliath Taylor
Sherman Taylor, better known as “Goliath” to most, passed away on Tuesday, April 30 at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of his family. Though known to many as a quiet and steady man, to those who loved him most, he was a constant presence–strong, dependable, and full of quiet humor.
OBITUARY: Alethea Thomas Smith
Alethea Thomas Smith, age 85, of the Shepherds Creek community, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026.
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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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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