NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Rare rivercane patch in Yancey County to be preserved
An area in Yancey County that contains a rare rivercane patch is being preserved, and artisans of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will be able to harvest some for traditional weaving.
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Dec. 4)
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).
Cherokee Central Schools and New Kituwah Academy receive STEAM Education Grant
Seven local school systems and four schools, including Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) and New Kituwah Academy (NKA) were awarded the “Bridging the Gap with STEM-E” grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) to increase accessibility to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) by providing elementary through high school students with mobile science unit field trips, exploration in entrepreneurship, STEAM study within their classrooms, and teacher STEAM professional development.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Center for Native Health to unveil community kiln in the fall
The Center for Native Health (CNH), in collaboration with the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute and with support from South Arts, Cherokee Preservation Foundation, and East Fork Pottery, is in the home stretch of a community kiln build in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown).
One Feather wins 11 N.C. Press Association awards
The Cherokee One Feather has won 11 awards in the 2025 North Carolina Press Association Awards. The banquet will be held on Sept. 18 in Raleigh, N.C.
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: A true tribal nation’s identity speaks for itself
Earlier this month, Lumbee leadership sent a letter to President Trump claiming his daughter, Tiffany Trump, has ancestral ties to their people. In that very same letter, they admitted she is not eligible to be a member of their tribe.
COLUMN (Living the Arte Suave): The essence of a walking stick
By ARMANDO BASULTO It is a generally held belief that inanimate objects have no feelings or emotions or memories of their own. When human beings project their own feelings and bias into objects it's called anthropomorphism. It’s a big word for a simple...
OPINION: Statement from Qualla Boundary MMIW on former Sheriff Cochran
We stand in solidarity with survivors and families as former Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran faces charges of rape and sexual assault. Our community gathers in peaceful protest because silence is not an option.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s establish the Will Poolaw Fan of the Year Award
The first On the Sidelines column I wrote many years ago was on the biggest Cherokee Braves fan I have ever met – Mr. Will Poolaw. Will is a staple at Cherokee sporting events, and his ever-present smile and can-do attitude bring life into the sidelines at every one of them.
ON THE SIDELINES: Family and fan support for athletics is crucial
At every athletic event I cover, there are always fans with many of them being family of the athletes. Being on the sidelines, I can hear the cheers for the athletes coming from the stands – which are generally full.
SOFTBALL: Zoie Shuler signs on with UT
Zoie Shuler, a senior at Robbinsville High School and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, signed on to play softball for the University of Tennessee (UT) on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Robbinsville High School gymnasium.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Maryann Lukowicz
Maryann Lukowicz, 79, passed away at Harris Regional Hospital after an extended illness on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
OBITUARY: Lacy Caldwell-Arch
Lacy Caldwell-Arch, age 41, of Waynesville, N.C., passed away on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
OBITUARY: Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee
Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee, 65, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Jean Wahnetah Bernhisel.
HAPPENINGS
EBCI Fishing Tournament schedule
EBCI Fishing Tournament schedule
Upcoming Pow Wows for Feb. 15-17
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.
Upcoming community groups and workshops per Region A Partnership
This is a listing of upcoming community meetings and support groups submitted by the Region A Partnership for Children Family Support Network:
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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.
BOOK REVIEW: “Mysterious Tales of Western North Carolina” is a fun read about supernatural
My friends on social media have been using the phrase consistently lately. We are in the “month of Halloween.”
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm