NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Franklin Town Council paves way for Noquisiyi Mound deed transfer to EBCI
The Franklin Town Council approved a resolution that paves the way for the deed of the Noquisiyi (formerly known as Nikwasi) Mound to be transferred from the Noquisi Initiative to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 5)
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.
Man sentenced to 21 years in prison on drug and gun charges
Grey Alan Hester, 50, of Candler, N.C. was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to 21 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Previously unseen photo of Charles George donated to Post
A new photo of PFC Charles George, Medal of Honor recipient, has surfaced. The photo, which shows PFC George with his unit during the Korean War, was donated to the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 for its museum during a meeting at Post Headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Monday, Aug. 18.
“Moving Forward, Standing Strong”: EBCI to host ATALM Conference in October
Over 1,500 people working in the field of tribal archives, libraries, and museums will convene in Cherokee in two months for a conference with the slogan of “Moving Forward, Standing Strong”. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is set to host the annual conference of the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, N.C. on Oct. 7-9.
“A Sacred Thread” showcases the Snowbird Community’s language, culture, and land back efforts
A Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) North Carolina documentary about Cherokee language and cultural revitalization in Tutiyi (Snowbird) titled “A Sacred Thread,” premiered on July 31.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Language Revitalization requires a winner’s mentality
There is a great urgency to our language revitalization efforts; we feel it every day. If we’re not careful, that urgency can feel like anxiety, dread, or even defeat. But urgency does not mean defeat; it means there’s an opportunity that we can seize.
THE GOOD STUFF: Wilbur Paul serves community with a dedicated spirit and a smile
Wilbur Paul is a staple at events in Cherokee and has worked for decades serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) community.
COMMENTARY: Breast Cancer Awareness starts with access and compassion
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for me, it’s more than just a pink ribbon or a reminder to schedule your annual mammogram.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: Braves and Lady Braves carry on a legacy
Cherokee High School (CHS) basketball held an Alumni Night on the evening of Friday, Feb. 2 in Charles George Memorial Arena. Braves and Lady Braves basketball players from previous years were honored at halftime.
BASKETBALL: Black uniforms not acceptable for a community elder
On the evening of Jan. 17, in the Central Office Board Room, the School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) unanimously agreed to honor the request of the Lady Braves basketball team to purchase black, maroon and gold uniforms.
WRESTLING: Cherokee H.S. wrestlers place at SMC Championship
Several members of the Cherokee High School (CHS) wrestling team placed at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship held at Swain Co. High School on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 23.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr.
Roger “Poncho” Ballard Jr., 67, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, after a long illness. Surrounded by love, he was joyfully reunited with his precious grandson, Kobe Gavin, whom he loved and missed with all his heart.
OBITUARY: Jeremiah Taylor
Jeremiah Taylor, age 63, of the Big Cove Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at his residence after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”
Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”, 75, of Whittier, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Cherokee, N.C. She was born on April 22, 1950, in Stilwell, Okla., to the late Owen and Cornelia Proctor Walker. Arlene’s life was rooted in devotion to her family and the simple joys that brought her fulfillment.
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
Wildcatt places at 26th annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show
Winners of the 26th annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show & Sale were announced Friday, Aug. 27 during a virtual awards presentation, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians won two awards.
Qualla Arts & Crafts celebrates 75 years of craft excellence
Seventy-five years to the day, officials at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. (Qualla) celebrated the start of one of the most successful Native American craft co-ops in the country.
“Dracula” to sink his teeth into Mountainside Theatre
On Friday, Oct. 1, Mountainside Theatre will host the world premiere of “Dracula: The Failings of Men,” written by debut playwright Benedetto Robinson. The production is an original work by Havoc Movement Company that will be joining the Cherokee Historical Association for the fall season.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm