NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors that feeding bears is illegal and dangerous
The National Park Service urges visitors to not feed or approach black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has seen an increase in incidents involving visitors feeding bears. Feeding wildlife is illegal and endangers you, other visitors and bears.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 12)
The One Feather will now provide 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.
National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration work towards expedited repair of US441/Newfound Gap Road
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the Aug. 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be complete in early October.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute to celebrate Alumni Week and announces International Conference Opportunity
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to share two exciting updates that reflect their continued commitment to culturally based leadership development for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Code Purple: A Community Response
Jeff Helpman, pastor of The Grove Church on Franklin Grove in Bryson City, heads a Code Purple warming center at his church with the help of his wife, Jodi Helpman, who is graduating this May from Western Carolina University’s Master of Social Work program.
CLMAP receives Impact Award from WCU
The Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program (CLMAP) 2025 cohort has worked closely with Western Carolina University (WCU) School of Art and Design assistant professor Tatiana Potts and her printmaking classes to create a series of children’s books for Cherokee language and cultural learning.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call: Part Three
I heard a quote the other day that rings true. “What was once shunned and hidden in the dark alleys is now openly displayed in our living rooms and broad daylight on Main Street.”
COMMENTARY: More on tribal radio – Broadcasting would help us share our story and learn our language
Just a few more things about the benefits of the tribe adding a broadcast radio station as a part of our overall media and economic development strategy:
THE GOOD STUFF: Matthew Tooni is passionate about sharing music and language
At last year’s Kituwah Celebration, the gentle sounds of a flute could be heard wisping through the air at the ancient Mother Town of the Cherokee. The beautiful sounds were being performed by Matthew (Matt) Tooni, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who always brings beautiful music and a passion for Cherokee language and culture wherever he goes.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
GOLF: CHS Lady Braves win SMC Championship for first time in school history; Paytyn Barker named Player of the Year
The Cherokee High School (CHS) Lady Braves Golf Team won the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) Championship on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12 at their home course, Sequoyah National Golf Club, for the first time in school history.
CHS, CMS runners earn Runner of the Year titles and SMC championships
On the morning of Saturday, Oct. 14, Cherokee High School’s (CHS) Cecily “Dvdaya” Swimmer won the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship (SMC) with a time of 19:09. With this win, she earned SMC Runner of the Year.
VOLLEYBALL: Lady Braves win conference for the first time in school history; CMS Lady Braves repeat
The varsity Lady Braves volleyball team crushed their goal of winning the Smoky Mountain Conference championship for the first time in school history on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Charles George Memorial Arena. The Lady Braves defeated the Robbinsville Lady Knights in three sets for the championship title.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Patrick Ernest “Rick” Sneed
Patrick Ernest “Rick” Sneed, 60, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at his home.
OBITUARY: Clint Arneach
Clint Arneach passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Reba Rattler
Reba Rattler, 78 of the Snowbird Community, gained her heavenly wings the morning of Monday, April 7, 2025, at her home surrounded by 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
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.
Tribal members receive fellowships from South Arts
Two members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have been named recipients of South Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellowships.
UNC Asheville series to feature EBCI author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle
UNC Asheville will host three virtual author lectures throughout the spring semester.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm
















