NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Resolution recognizing Purple Lotus Day passes unanimously
Sheyahshe Littledave, public information officer for the Office of the Principal Chief, and Billie Jo Rich, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (DVSA) program manager, walked in a resolution during Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Annual Council on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 30 for the EBCI to officially recognize the third Thursday of the month of October as Purple Lotus Day in honor of survivors of domestic violence.
EBCI Government Explained: Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) meetings
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is established in the EBCI Charter and Governing Document. Laws regarding its meetings can be found throughout the Charter and Governing Document as well as Cherokee Code.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tables resolution regarding weighted vote
The weighted vote used by the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has been in place since 2001. Dinilawigi tabled a resolution during an Annual Council session on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 that seeks to evaluate the numbers based on a 2023 tribal census.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI Tribal Option promotes healthy vision this July
July is recognized as Healthy Vision Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
An amazing journey: Keredith “Tooter” Owens has traveled the world dancing, sharing culture
Sitting at a table in the Qualla Boundary Public Library, Keredith “Tooter” Owens looks over a pile of her photographs documenting her career as a fancy shawl dancer at pow wows.
Graceful beauty: Nakoa Chiltoskie enjoys dancing and the camaraderie of pow wows
Nakoa Chiltoskie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, loves the graceful movements of dancing and the camaraderie that pow wows bring. She started dancing at age 7.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: The importance of communal dialogue
People are being killed for it. Simply having an opposing opinion can cost your family members. You may lose friends. You may lose your job. You may lose your life. We, in general, are losing our ability to disagree on an issue without hating the person with the opposing position on the issue.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Control yourself, Part 1 of 2
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, sounds conceptually lovely, but the fact is, many people don’t feel it, don’t know it, and don’t use the power God gave them through His Spirit. That power allows us to lean on Jesus and overcome temptation as He did.
COMMENTARY: But wait, there’s more.
I question the transparency of government a bunch. Questioning the government isn’t always the healthiest thing for a career in tribal government.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
RUNNING: Bell signs to run cross country and track at Mars Hill University
Another member of the historic Cherokee High School (CHS) Braves 2021-22 cross country team has signed to run at the collegiate level.
4 The Future Foundation practices with inaugural CHS club lacrosse team
On the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 8, Jeremy Thompson of the Thompson Brothers’ 4 The Future Foundation (4TFF) and Stacy Smith Ledford, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and executive director of 4TFF, stepped onto the field at Ray Kinsland Stadium for practice with the inaugural Cherokee High School (CHS) club lacrosse team.
TRACK & FIELD: Tribal member to throw shot for Mars Hill
The Mars Hill University track and field team is gearing up for its 2023-24 season and includes a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Antonio Lorenzo, an EBCI tribal member and a May graduate of Smoky Mountain High School, will throw the shot put for the Lions this season.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: R. Leo James
R. Leo James, 86, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
OBITUARY: Harold George
Harold George, a cherished member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on Sept. 20, 1953, in Cherokee, N.C., Harold led a life filled with love, laughter.
OBITUARY: Chanice Taylor
Chanice Taylor, age 32, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Chanice “Mac a doo” Taylor was born on April 28, 1993, in Sylva, N.C., to Robert Taylor and Debbie Taylor.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 8-10
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.
3 Doors Down to host Better Life Foundation Concert at Harrah’s Cherokee
3 Doors Down will host their 16th annual charity concert event on Saturday, Sept. 7, with special guest Clay Walker, to benefit The Better Life Foundation at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Tribal Council Schedule for March 2019
Tribal Council Schedule for March 2019
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
UNC Asheville series to feature EBCI author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle
UNC Asheville will host three virtual author lectures throughout the spring semester.
Cherokee artist staying busy during pandemic
For Cherokee artist Luzene Hill, the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, but it certainly hasn’t stopped her from sharing her work with the world.
Late writer, Cherokee Studies leader at WCU, to be honored with marker
The late Robert J. Conley, author and former Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies at Western Carolina University, will receive a historical marker in his hometown of Cushing, Oklahoma, commemorating his literary achievements.
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