NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI legislative updates (May 8)
The One Feather will now provide regular 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. The legislation is shown in the order in which they were introduced following the new ones for the week.
Resolution for EBCI to support Ela Dam removal advocacy passes
The Elohi Dinigatiyi (Earth Keepers) and the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA) Daughters submitted a resolution that was passed unanimously on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7 by Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) to “support the removal of Ela dam and the restoration of Longperson”.
Dinilawigi approves indefinite moratorium on data centers
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has approved a moratorium on data centers within the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). They passed Ord. No. 158 (2026) during the regular Dinilawigi session on Thursday, May 7 by a vote of 11-0 with Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee County) Rep. Michael Smoker being absent.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Historical Association announces renovations and improvements
Laura Blythe, Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) program director, said there are several renovations and improvements completed and underway for the Oconaluftee Indian Village and Unto These Hills Mountainside Theater.
Cherokee Central Schools 8th Grade and High School Concert Band earns Excellent Rating
The Cherokee Central Schools 8th Grade and High School Concert Band earned an Excellent Rating at the Trills and Thrills Music Festival held at William Blount High School in Alcoa, Tenn. on Saturday, April 25.
Bear Preparedness Tips from EBCI Natural Resources
Caleb Hickman, fish and wildlife biologist and supervisor for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources department, shared some information and preparedness tips on black bears as the summer months increase bear sightings and activity.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
April report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of April. Before I begin, I want to congratulate Anna Ferguson on becoming the first EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) member to serve in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Just missed Him
A plethora of verses can be found that reveal how all of Israel, except for the disciples and followers of Jesus, discounted Him as Lord.
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: Kathleen Talalah
Kathleen Talalah, 60, of Cherokee, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a period of declining health at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
OBITUARY: Jerry Max Raby
It is deep sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Jerry Max Raby, 71, of the Qualla community, who passed away on Tuesday, April 28,2026.
OBITUARY: Patricia Ann Panther
Patricia Ann Panther, 73, of the Big Cove Community in Cherokee, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, April 26, 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
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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