NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Feb. 5)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Asst. Editor CHEROKEE, N.C. – The One Feather will now provide regular legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The focus will be on...
Sleight and Roland child abuse cases schedule update
In August 2024, Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, then 78, who was employed as Santa at Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo in Cherokee, was arrested by Cherokee Indian Police Department on 13 child abuse charges including two counts of aggravated sexual abuse; two counts of sexual abuse; two counts of abusive sexual contact; three counts of offensive touching; two counts of contributing to the delinquency, undiscipline, neglect, or abuse of minors; and two counts of child abuse in the first degree.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI bestows title of Beloved Man to Rev. Fred Lunsford
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has bestowed the exalted title of Beloved Man to the late Rev. Fred Bruner Lunsford. Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved Res. No. 435 unanimously during a clean-up session on Tuesday, Sept. 30 which made the designation.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority recognizes National Recovery Month by announcing ‘Recovery Friendly NC Workplace’ Certification
During a catered lunch from Nikki’s Frybread on Wednesday, Sept. 24 to celebrate staff at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) who are in recovery, Tara Reed-Cooper, associate director of Career Development announced CIHA completed the certification process to become a Recovery Friendly Workplace through Recovery Friendly NC, a statewide initiative that helps employers and community partners create supportive spaces for individuals in or seeking recovery.
Right Path Adult Leadership Program celebrates 2025 Graduates, welcomes 2026 Cohort
The Duyugodv’i Right Path Adult Leadership Program honored its 2025 graduates and introduced the 2026 cohort during a special ceremony held Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Kituwah Mound Pavilion.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: When one of ours betrays us – An apology to the Eastern Band
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has co-sponsored a bill to grant recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina – a state-recognized group whose ancestry and identity have long been a source of deep controversy among neighboring Native nations.
COMMENTARY: To Senator Mullin
During the Legislative Hearing on the Lumbee Fairness Act on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 5, United States Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, made some remarks that are damaging to the Cherokee people – Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – and the rest of Indian Country.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Easy Peasy, Part 2 of 2
Scripture References: Proverbs 14:12, Romans 1:28, Hebrews 5:14, 1Kings 3:9
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: The ‘ships are coming in! Braves, Lady Braves win SMC tourneys
The Charles George Memorial Arena was absolutely filled to the brim on Friday, Feb. 23, and fans of Cherokee High School basketball were treated to a show. The Cherokee Braves and Lady Braves both won the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament titles that night continuing their winning ways as both teams also won the regular season titles.
FOOTBALL: Climbingbear signs to play at Keiser University
Luke Climbingbear, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 21 to play football this fall at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Fla.
ON THE SIDELINES: Sportsmanship can be contagious
I’ve covered a good many Cherokee vs. Swain Co. athletic contests over the years, and it’s always an interesting time between the two rivals. The Lady Braves hosted the Lady Maroon Devils at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 6, and I witnessed a small, but very important, display of sportsmanship that I hope is contagious.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Carly Elizabeth Johnson
Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Her unexpected departure has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her most.
OBITUARY: Mystical Parker
Mystical Parker, 54, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away after a period of declining health on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Patricia Goodson Ensley
Patricia Goodson Ensley, 69, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. A native of Haywood County and longtime resident of Cherokee N.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles Junior and Alice Irene Goodson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Ricky Dean Goodson.
HAPPENINGS
“People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters” to open at Cherokee Museum
“People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters” will open Saturday, April 6 at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
Upcoming Pow Wows for April 5-7
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.
Lady Antebellum returns to Harrah’s Cherokee
Lady Antebellum will play the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, July 5.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Dracula looks to bring a spectacle to Cherokee
An immersive experience, high-level action, and a lot of blood. This is what is being promised from the producers of Dracula: The Failings of Men, a show coming to the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee this weekend.
Tribal member acts in “Reservation Dogs” and runs a business
The television series “Reservation Dogs”, being shown on Hulu, has taken the world by storm and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is among the cast.
Cherokee Art Market shifting to virtual platform in 2021
As a result of the ongoing surge of the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant, Cherokee Nation is shifting to a virtual platform for the 16th annual Cherokee Art Market. The virtual market will run Dec. 6-17 and will feature premier Native American art from various tribal nations.
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