NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Interior enters into Nation’s first-ever Tribal Energy Agreement
The Department of the Interior approved the nation’s first-ever tribal energy resource agreement, increasing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s sovereign authority to manage and develop energy resources on its lands while reducing federal bureaucracy.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (May 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.
Grand opening held as Tribal ABC Store moves location
On the morning of Monday, May 11, a grand opening and ribbon cutting was held for the new location of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Tribal Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Store located on Cherokee Crossing Rd. The store, which opened in 2022, was located at Tsali Blvd.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama returns for 76th Anniversary Season
The beloved outdoor drama, “Unto These Hills”, is set to captivate audiences once again as it opens its 76th Anniversary Season on Saturday, May 30. For three-quarters of a century, this powerful production has brought the rich and complex history of the Cherokee to life under the stars at Mountainside Theatre.
Amici Italia brings authentic dining experience to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has announced the grand opening of Amici Italia, a vibrant new authentic Italian experience that delivers a true taste of Italy in the heart of western North Carolina.
Smith represents EBCI at United Nations Forum on Indigenous Health
Jasmine Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), made history as the youngest EBCI representative to speak at the recent United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), addressing global leaders on Indigenous health and environmental protection.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: We should all do less nose-thumbing and more listening.
I recently had coffee with a friend who was sharing frustration about a coworker who neglected or ignored duties.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Layaway Plan, Part 2 of 2
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so, through him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” NIV
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Layaway Plan, Part 1 of 2
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Indoor Track & Field: Swimmer sets record as Cherokee participates in Swain County Polar meet
Cherokee High School’s (CHS) indoor track team participated in the Swain County Polar meet held at the Swain Co. High School Track on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
WRESTLING: Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) win SMC Championship
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) won the women’s Smoky Mountain Conference Wrestling Championship on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 22 at Cherokee High School which hosted both the men’s and women’s championship.
BASKETBALL: Hicks signs with Pfeiffer University
Marlee Hicks, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and a senior on the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity basketball team, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Pfeiffer University next season.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Goliath Taylor
Sherman Taylor, better known as “Goliath” to most, passed away on Tuesday, April 30 at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of his family. Though known to many as a quiet and steady man, to those who loved him most, he was a constant presence–strong, dependable, and full of quiet humor.
OBITUARY: Alethea Thomas Smith
Alethea Thomas Smith, age 85, of the Shepherds Creek community, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, May 1, 2026.
OBITUARY: Kathleen Talalah
Kathleen Talalah, 60, of Cherokee, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a period of declining health at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
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
EBCI tribal member selected as Red Earth Artist
Margaret Littlejohn Wakefield, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as an Official Red Earth Festival Artist for the 2026 event. She will display her paintings at the Festival set for Aug. 1-2 at the OKC Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Oka.
Lindley Wyatt brings her culture to the runway
Lindley Wyatt, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is a junior at Western Carolina University (WCU) double majoring in Marketing and Management. Wyatt is also a fashion model signed with a Sante Fe Indigenous modeling agency.
Two Cherokee women receive NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award
Two Cherokee women have received the In These Mountains NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award to better delve into the ancient art of making honeysuckle baskets
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