NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI set to leave NCAI in October
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will leave the NCAI (National Congress of American Indians) at the end of September.
Longperson inherent rights recognized by Dinilawigi (Tribal Council)
On the morning of Thursday, Jan. 8, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) unanimously passed a resolution recognizing “the inherent rights of the Longperson, a natural entity within the boundary and ancestral homelands of the Cherokee people.”
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Jan. 8)
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).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tribal member writes first book in a series on Angelina the Adventure Cat
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians currently residing in Webster, N.C., has started a book series – the first of which is “Angelina the Adventure Cat and the Garden of Whiskerwinks”. The book is based on Angelina, a Maine Coon, who is a service cat alerting Lyons of upcoming migraines.
One Feather reporter attends Indigenous Media Conference
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) held the 2025 Indigenous Media Conference (IMC) in Albuquerque, N.M. at the Isleta Pueblo Resort & Casino from Aug. 13-15
Tafoya receives prestigious art award
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya has been named one of 10 recipients of the LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artist Award given by the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF). Tafoya, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with Santa Clara Pueblo heritage, is a multi-medium visual artist who has a love of basketry.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Why are we having to ask “Show me the Money”?
Are we too stupid to know? A former tribal official stated in a leadership meeting that we would just be too confused by getting information on our projects and finances, so it is better to let the government handle it without community involvement.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Division, Part 2 of 2
When we see division, we should immediately become peacemakers.
THE GOOD STUFF: Stuttering is ok and you’re allowed to take your time
You might be wondering why I’m writing one of my Good Stuff columns about a neurological disorder, and that’s a fair question. I’ve stuttered since early childhood, and it has been a lifetime of ups and downs regarding my speech.
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: Charles “Charlie” William Bigwitch (Tsali)
Charles “Charlie” William Bigwitch (Tsali), 67, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Fred and Eva Bigwitch.
OBITUARY: Nicholas Donald Briggs III
Nicholas Donald Briggs III, 81 of Whittier, N.C., passed away to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
OBITUARY: Thomas Keith Parker
Thomas Keith Parker, “Tom” as he was better known, age 81, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, after an extended illness.
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
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.
Blues Traveler is heading to Cherokee
Famed blues rock outfit Blues Traveler will be making their way to Cherokee on Sept. 24 for a concert at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
“Searching for Sequoyah” documentary to explore his life
“Searching for Sequoyah”, produced by James M. Fortier and LeAnne Howe, will air on PBS stations nationwide starting in November and examines not only that major accomplishment but also the man’s intriguing life.
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