NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
“We all feel loss”: 7th Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Walk held
Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) wore red to remember relatives taken too soon and bring awareness for those currently missing. The 7th Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Walk, hosted by the Qualla Boundary MMIW (QBMMIW) Organization, was held at the Oconaluftee Island Park on the afternoon of Saturday, May 2.
Qualla Boundary Public Library awarded $88,800 from Cherokee Preservation Foundation to expand makerspace and workforce development programs
The Qualla Boundary Public Library has been awarded $88,800 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to support the continued development of the library makerspace and workforce development initiatives serving the Qualla Boundary community.
Qualla Boundary Public Library successfully completes makerspace planning grant through Cherokee Preservation Foundation support
The Qualla Boundary Public Library has announced the successful completion of a $15,000 planning grant provided by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation in support of the development of a community-centered makerspace at the library.
Qualla Open Air Indian Art Market
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Littledave, Stephens receive Frell Owl Award
Sheyahshe Littledave and Ahli-sha Stephens, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, were named the recipients of the prestigious Frell Owl Award during a ceremony at Granny’s Kitchen in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Monday, Dec. 8.
Meet the EBCI’s 2026 Remember the Removal Riders
Following are the riders who will represent the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on the 2026 Remember the Removal (RTR) bicycle ride. The ride will retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears from New Echota, Ga. to Tahlequah, Okla. Exact dates are not yet available for this year’s ride, but it will occur in June 2026.
Cherokee Preservation Foundation approves a $20,000 award for Planning Grant
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) has approved a $20,000 planning grant to the Southwestern Commission Regional Council of Governments (SWC) led by the Mountain West Partnership (MWP), a division of the SWC. The project will advance sustainable economic development through culturally aligned collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: The Standard
“A flag or emblem formally used to show the central or rallying point of an army in battle,”
COMMENTARY: Tribal politics is not rocket science, but you do have to pay attention
We are governed through a document called “The Charter.” Like a constitution, it provides the broad stroke parameters of governmental function for our tribe. Unlike a constitution, the Charter has little language in it regarding the civil rights of the people who are governed.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work, Part 2 of 2
Sometimes we might wonder what motivates others to write letters and notes, clean up the messes, stand in the hot sun or cold weather, do the shopping, set up the tents, hand out the bulletins, play music, pull the cables, visit the sick or dying in the hospitals, homes, or hospices.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: CHS competes in WNC Kickoff Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) varsity track and field teams competed in the WNC Kickoff Invitational at the Western Carolina University track on the afternoon of Thursday, March 7.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts three-school meet
Cherokee Middle School (CMS) hosted Robbinsville Middle School and Swain Co. Middle School in a three-school meet on the afternoon of Monday, March 4.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Donald Lee “Kanogsdaya” Swimmer
Donald Lee “Kanogsdaya” Swimmer, 70, of Cherokee, N.C., took his heavenly flight on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 to reunite with his parents, Luke and Amanda Sequoyah Swimmer; and his siblings, Mary Ellen Wolfe, Johnny, Ronald, Herbert, and McKinley Swimmer.
OBITUARY: Byron Jase Locust
Byron Jase Locust, 26, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of James William Locust Jr. and Elisha Wildcatt Locust of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Mary R. Smith
Mary R. Smith, 89, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at Tsali Care Center in Cherokee, surrounded by her loving 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
Annual Spring Literary Festival returns to WCU campus with live events
After two years being held as an online celebration, Western Carolina University’s Spring Literary Festival returns to campus March 14-17 for a series of live events.
Tribal member a finalist for Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award
The Western North Carolina Historical Association announced the selection of five finalists for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award recently and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is included. Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle was nominated for her book, “Even As We Breathe: A Novel”.
Cherokee National Treasure Betty Frogg featured in new exhibit
“Betty Christie Frogg: Carrying Her Culture” is on display at Cherokee Nation’s Saline Courthouse Museum.
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