NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 20)
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.
Tribal member fights for access to possessory land
Scott Welch is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown). He is the possessory holder of tribal land on Cooper’s Creek Road that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Qualla Boundary in Swain County.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson explains the function of his office
By BROOKLYN BROWN BIGMEAT One Feather Reporter CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The One Feather interviewed Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, to discuss the function of the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of an ongoing criminal justice...
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Meet the Office of the Tribal Prosecutor
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Office of the Tribal Prosecutor is now fully staffed for the first time with a staff of five: Leo Phillips, lead tribal prosecutor; Randle Jones, senior tribal prosecutor; Hayden Duncan, tribal prosecutor; Amy Teesateskie, paralegal and victim/witness coordinator; and Hali Silvers, victim advocate. Teesateskie and Silvers are both enrolled members of the EBCI.
Heart to Heart invites community to “Shine a Light on Child Abuse”
Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center (CAC) invites the community to join in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month this April by coming together to “shine a light” on children and families.
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Kituwah Celebration to mark 30-year anniversary and much more
For a sacred site with thousands of years of history, a mere 30 years doesn’t seem like much, but an upcoming anniversary is very important to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). This year’s annual Kituwah Celebration, set for Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will mark the 30th anniversary since Kituwah – the Mother Town of the Cherokee – came back under the control of the Cherokee people.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Fireworks, Part 2 of 2
The people who glorify the skies with fireworks displays, through their service and talent, exemplify humility for us.
COMMENTARY: At what cost unity?
It doesn’t take a lot to create unity. Take a gullible group of people who want something and provide them with a person or organization that promises better outcomes and will fulfill that want, and you have yourself a unified group.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Lady Braves win Smoky Mountain Conference championship
The Cherokee Lady Braves Middle School track team edged Hayesville Middle by 3.5 points to win the 2024 Smoky Mountain Middle School Track & Field Championship.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in meet at Hayesville
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track team participated in a multi-school meet at Hayesville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 17.
Atlanta Braves to host Third Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the third annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 7-9. The top high school baseball players of Native American descent from around North America will participate in a pro-style workout on Saturday, June 8 and a showcase game on Sunday, June 9.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: David Obidiah Swimmer
David Obidiah Swimmer, 51, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
OBITUARY: Martha Walkingstick Sampson
Martha Walkingstick Sampson, 66 of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Mission Hospital.
OBITUARY: Michael Glenn Murphy
Michael Glenn Murphy, 64, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 9:06 a.m. at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, S.C., following a period of declining health.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm