NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi approves increase to tribal levy and privilege tax; approves FY26 budget
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved an increase to the tribal levy and privilege tax and approved the FY2026 budget for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Dinilawigi approves budget amendments, requests to apply for grant funding
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved several budget amendments and requests from programs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to apply for grant funding. Items No. 15-20, all submitted by Brandi Claxton, interim secretary of treasury, were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.
Dinilawigi tables, withdraws several pieces of legislation during September session
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tabled several ordinances during the Orders of the Day portion of its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4 including one designed to solve an upcoming vacancy on the Cherokee School Board. Several of these were tabled for more discussion before being brought to the floor for a vote.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Elementary students write and illustrate nature book
For the second school year in a row, fifth grade students at Cherokee Elementary School have written and published a book. This school year, students in Mrs. Shae Deck’s class produced “Important Cherokee Animals and Plants” dedicated to the “past, present, and future Cherokee people”.
Need More Outdoors gears up for another adventure-filled summer
Need More Outdoors (NMO) is a nonprofit organization offering youth outdoor adventures and environmental education in western North Carolina. Cherokee Choices collaborates with NMO during their youth summer camps, and Director Robin Callahan and Behavioral Change Specialist Yolanda Saunooke sit on the NMO board.
CHA awarded $698K grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation for expansion and upgrades
Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has announced the receipt of a grant totaling $698,000 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. This substantial funding will empower CHA to significantly expand its programming, finalize a comprehensive master plan, and implement crucial upgrades to its historic venues.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Appointing your days
Psalms 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.”
LETTER: Reflections on Memorial Day
I was privileged to attend our Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26. It was beautifully done and overwhelming in its significance.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: An old African Proverb
Many people decline to participate in the ministry because they feel they have nothing to offer. They are not speakers, teachers, leaders, or educators, and they do not think they are a vital part of the body of Christ.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Tribal member to throw shot for Mars Hill
The Mars Hill University track and field team is gearing up for its 2023-24 season and includes a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Antonio Lorenzo, an EBCI tribal member and a May graduate of Smoky Mountain High School, will throw the shot put for the Lions this season.
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s establish the Will Poolaw Fan of the Year Award
The first On the Sidelines column I wrote many years ago was on the biggest Cherokee Braves fan I have ever met – Mr. Will Poolaw. Will is a staple at Cherokee sporting events, and his ever-present smile and can-do attitude bring life into the sidelines at every one of them.
ON THE SIDELINES: Family and fan support for athletics is crucial
At every athletic event I cover, there are always fans with many of them being family of the athletes. Being on the sidelines, I can hear the cheers for the athletes coming from the stands – which are generally full.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
OBITUARY: Billy Ray Jones
Billy Ray Jones, 89, of Sylva, North Carolina was called home on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born in Sylva, N.C., on March 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Maudie Wykle and Aude Jones. He was the third oldest of nine brothers.
OBITUARY: Linda Sue Arch
Linda Sue Arch, 68, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
HAPPENINGS
Hospital inviting community to Crisis Stabilization Unit groundbreaking
Cherokee Indian Hospital will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the Crisis Stabilization Unit on Wednesday, April 24 at 2 p.m. at the old hospital site.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 29-31
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 22-24
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art” exhibit set to open
“A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art” features over 50 works of art in a variety of media by 30+ Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and Cherokee Nation artists.
Bardo Arts Center plans for a permanent exhibit on contemporary Cherokee culture, language
Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University has announced plans to host a permanent and contemporary exhibit of Cherokee culture and language, developed in collaboration with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Cherokee Heritage Center prepares for 50th annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale
Artwork is now being accepted for the 50th annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale, hosted by the Cherokee Heritage Center.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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