NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 10)
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.
Dinilawigi passes Ord. No. 184 prohibiting caging of bears
On the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 6, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passed Ordinance No. 184 (2026) “…amending Chapter 19 regarding caging bears on Tribal lands.” The ordinance prohibits the caging of bears on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The ordinance change was originally submitted by Mary Crowe, an EBCI tribal elder from Elawodi (Yellowhill).
Dinilawigi votes to finalize conveyance of Fort Butler Park to EBCI
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) approved legislation authorizing EBCI Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks to finalize a recent conveyance of Fort Butler Park to the EBCI from the Town of Murphy, N.C.
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
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.
COMMENTARY: Government and media are more alike than they care to admit
Sometimes, the government and media are at odds. I know that comes as a shock, but it is true.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: CHS athletes place at regionals and qualify for state meet
Several members of the Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team qualified for the 1A state championship meet with their performances at the 1A West Regional meet at Montreat College in Black Mountain, N.C. on Saturday, May 11.
ON THE SIDELINES: It’s the celebrating that makes sports special
Sports provide a great time of celebration. It is that raw emotion that I love about sports, and it is 100 percent what I love about sports photography.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts Smoky Mountain Conference championship
Cherokee High School (CHS) played host to the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) track and field championship on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 1.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Dustin Thomas Smith
Dustin Thomas Smith, age 21, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
OBITUARY: Bryson Eric Lambert
Bryson Eric Lambert, age 27, of Smyrna, Ga., passed away Friday, May 8, 2026. Bryson was a graduate of Campbell High School.
OBITUARY: Kendra Jean Taylor
Kendra Jean Taylor, 60, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully in her sleep on the night of Friday, May 8, 2026.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for April 12-14
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.
Harrah’s Cherokee to host WSOP Circuit stop
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort will host its third World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit stop of the season starting on Wednesday, April 10.
Ken Jeong to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee
Actor, producer, and writer Ken Jeong will perform at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center on Friday, May 31.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Art being accepted for Cherokee Homecoming Art Show & Sale
Cherokee Nation is accepting artwork for its annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show & Sale. The show is being offered both virtually and in person Aug. 13 – Sept. 10 at the gallery adjacent to the Cherokee National Research Center, and the deadline for submissions is July 8.
These walls can talk: Jared Wheatley provides a canvas
They stand amongst the tallest in western North Carolina and help form the many businesses of a seemingly ever-growing city. Asheville has also had quite a few social walls that have become more visible each year.
Cherokee Musical Theatre students go tropical with “Once on This Island Jr.”
The Cherokee Central Schools Musical Theatre Program took their audience to the Caribbean with its performance of “Once on This Island Jr.”, a musical based on the 1985 novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy. The musical opened at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the evening of Thursday, May 12.
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