NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Work is progressing nicely at Cherokee Cultural Grounds
Leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) broke ground on the new Cherokee Cultural Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. eight months ago, and work at the site is progressing nicely.
Groups seeking federal acknowledgement as an Indian Tribe (September 2026 update)
Each month, the One Feather will give an update on the various groups seeking federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe either through Congressional means or by going through the OFA (Office of Federal Acknowledgment) process.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 22)
The One Feather provides 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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam largest yet
Wheels were thundering across the concrete as the 10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam was held at the Ayvdagwalosgiyi (Thunder Place) in Elawodi (Yellowhill) in Cherokee, N.C., on Unadodaquidena (Saturday), Duliisdi (Sept.) 12.
From Shelter to Service: Boots joins Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital as Certified Therapy Dog
Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital are welcoming a new four-legged member to their hospital communities. Boots, a certified therapy dog, will begin visiting patients at both hospitals, offering companionship, affection and a comforting presence during their hospital stay.
Co-author of ‘Riding the Trail’ to sign books at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
The annual Remember the Removal bike ride is one the most significant journeys young Cherokees can take as they retrace the Trail of Tears through seven states and learn the history of how Cherokees were removed to Indian Territory in 1838.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call: Part 1 of 8
Before and since I met my wife, I was a motorcycle enthusiast for fifty-some years. Back then, that is what you would have called me unless you saw me riding on the street with my colors, and then you would probably call me a biker.
COMMENTARY: Fight cyber crime; be alert and consider buying cyber insurance
It seems like cyber criminals are after us all the time.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: What motivates you? Part 3 of 3
How do we unload all this programming? We have all received it, but has Satan reinforced it into self-destructive pride? Note that God hates pride and those who become haughty in serving Him.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: Middle School Lady Braves win season opener at Hayesville
The Cherokee Middle School cross country teams traveled to Hayesville for their season-opening meet on Saturday, Aug. 22, and the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) took first place in the team contest.
FOOTBALL: Cherokee outlasts N.Buncombe in 2OT thriller
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) defeated the North Buncombe Blackhawks 66-60 in a double overtime thriller at N.Buncombe High School on the evening of Friday, Aug. 21. Cherokee’s Kingston Welch rushed 27 times for 208 yards and 6 touchdowns including the game-winner in double overtime.
CROSS COUNTRY: Results from Union County Season Opener meet
The Cherokee High School varsity cross country teams participated in the Union County Season Opener at Meek’s Park in Blairsville, Ga. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Dwaine “Flea” George
Dwaine “Flea” George, 46, of the Birdtown Community, passed away peacefully with family by his side Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. A native of Cherokee he was the son of Patty Buchanan of Cherokee.
Mary Louise Martin (Locust)
Mary Louise Martin (Locust), age 91, of Cherokee, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Mountain View of Bryson City after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Phillip Charles Pheasant
Phillip Charles Pheasant, 58, unexpectedly joined the love of his life, Valencia, in Heaven on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026.
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
Shea Vassar’s “Julie Takes A Walk” highlights the humor in everyday Native life
Shea Vassar, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Norman, Okla., is bringing a new perspective to comedy with “Julie Takes A Walk,” a short romantic comedy that she co-directed, wrote, and helped produce. This film displays the humor of everyday life and brings attention to modern Native life and queer Native people in small towns.
The Way We See The World returns for its fifth year
The Way We See The World, presented by the Museum of the Cherokee People, is back for its fifth year and will be held on Friday, Aug. 7 in the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mariah Hill’s broad creativity extends from Fair themes to paintings
Mariah Hill is a talented artist with an eye for color and a mind rooted in traditional Cherokee teachings. For the past two years, her entry has been selected as the theme for the annual Cherokee Indian Fair hosted by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm