NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Nov. 14)
The One Feather will now provide weekly legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The focus will be on ordinances that change Cherokee Code, but sometimes resolutions of importance to the operation of the tribal government will also be included.
Cherokee Police Commission holds November meeting
The Cherokee Police Commission held their monthly meeting in the Ginger Lynn Welch building on the afternoon of Nov. 13. Chairperson Anita Lossiah called the meeting to order at 12:03 p.m.
Cucumber indicted for Murder in Indian Country
On October 7, a grand jury in Asheville returned a criminal indictment charging Derrick Alan Cucumber, 45, of Cherokee, N.C., with first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for killing Mario Sanchez Nino, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Behind the designs: Alex Lane returns to the Kananesgi Fashion Show
Alexandria Lane is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the manager of visitor services for the Museum of the Cherokee People. Lane made her debut as a designer in the 2024 Kananesgi Fashion Show, and she will be returning this year with a new collection.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute awarded grants from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI), a department of the Cherokee Boys Club, has announced that it has received two grant awards from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) to support its culturally based leadership programs for youth and adults.
A Butterfly’s Heart: Melah Perkins’ fashion show debut
Kimmemelah Chontay Perkins, or Melah, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Sioux, is a beadwork and quillwork artist making her debut as a designer in the Kananesgi Fashion Show coming up Nov. 8.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: What would be fair?
Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the testimony of Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing concerning Senator Tillis’ bill S.107. You won’t see me doing that much. My personal ethics are that I keep my personal opinions out of the public area when it comes to our politicians, because I feel a moral obligation to be objective in my coverage of our leadership.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WNC citizen concerned about encroachment on press freedom
I write as a concerned citizen of western North Carolina to draw attention to the growing encroachment on press freedom under the current administration, and the implications this has for our local democracy.
THE GOOD STUFF: Micah Swimmer shares culture and hope
I have known Micah Swimmer for years, and one thing that has always impressed me about him is his hope surrounding Cherokee culture and language. Whenever I see him at events, he is always sharing and educating.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SOFTBALL: Lossie signs with Montreat College
Amila Lossie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior member of the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity softball team, signed a letter to intent to play collegiately for Montreat College during an event held at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Monday, March 24.
SOCCER: Blythe-Ramos signs with Shaw University
Lillian Blythe-Ramos will trade the maroon and gold of Cherokee High School (CHS) for the same colors at the next level. She signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer with Shaw University, located in Raleigh, N.C., during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, March 18.
Cherokee dominates All-District selections
Three of the five selections for the NCBCA (North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association) Women’s All-District 12 selections are from Cherokee High School.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Maria “Ada” Arch
Maria “Ada” Arch, 61, of the Painttown Community, peacefully gained her wings surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
OBITUARY: Esther “Gig” Ross-McCoy
Esther “Gig” Ross-McCoy, 78 of the Yellowhill Community, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
OBITUARY: Hattie Elizabeth Panther
Hattie Elizabeth Panther, age 82, passed away peacefully at Tsali Care Center on October 17, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
Food truck rodeo coming to Harrah’s Cherokee
Three Cherokee-owned food trucks will be setting up at The Cherokee Convention Center this Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5 to serve any and all who want an Indian dinner or Cherokee fare.
May classes at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, has released the May class schedule. The workshops will be hosted outside and led by Wildlife Commission staff. The Center’s COVID-19 policies are stated on their...
Mountain Heritage Day planning for return to WCU campus this fall
Mountain Heritage Day, the festival of cultural traditions presented by Western Carolina University, is again being planned as a live, in-person event on Saturday, Sept. 25.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Woodcarving Club starts up in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) member, carver and art collector Driver Blythe has started a biweekly woodcarving club at the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Building with renowned Cherokee carvers Davy Arch and Dewey Owle.
Carly Pearce to headline 113th Cherokee Indian Fair
Carly Pearce to headline 113th Cherokee Indian Fair
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.
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