NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
“Champion Your Health”: EBCI holds 22nd Annual Elder’s Walk event
According to the Tribal Enrollment Office of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, there are 2,740 tribal elders (59 ½ years or older). In recognition of Older Americans Month and to celebrate EBCI tribal elders, the 22nd Annual Elder’s Walk event was held at the old Cherokee High School site in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Friday, May 8. The event was sponsored by the EBCI Senior Citizens Center.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI Community Clubs win at WNC Communities
The WNC Honors Awards, a signature program of WNC Communities, continued its 76-year tradition of recognizing rural community development clubs for their innovative ideas, volunteer-powered leadership, and grassroots service.
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
“In Light and Shadow”: New book highlights Indigenous photography
Three years in the making, a new book highlights the history of Indigenous photography. Co-authored by Brian Adams and Sarah Stacke, “In Light and Shadow: A Photographic History from Indigenous America” takes the reader on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of photography by Native Americans.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: What sovereignty actually means in 2026
As we enter a new year, there have been more public conversations about Tribal sovereignty and that attention creates opportunity. But when important ideas are discussed more widely, it matters that they are understood clearly.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work, Part 1 of 2
Many of us have worked in the ministry alongside hundreds of good people who relished the opportunity to do for others by being the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
COMMENTARY: Educate, don’t opinionate
Okay, this is probably one of my most unpopular topics, particularly to my colleagues. I really have an issue with media outlets that attempt to manipulate public opinion by injecting media bias, or that of their advertisers, into news stories.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Climbingbear signs to play at Keiser University
Luke Climbingbear, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 21 to play football this fall at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Fla.
ON THE SIDELINES: Sportsmanship can be contagious
I’ve covered a good many Cherokee vs. Swain Co. athletic contests over the years, and it’s always an interesting time between the two rivals. The Lady Braves hosted the Lady Maroon Devils at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 6, and I witnessed a small, but very important, display of sportsmanship that I hope is contagious.
BASKETBALL: Braves and Lady Braves carry on a legacy
Cherokee High School (CHS) basketball held an Alumni Night on the evening of Friday, Feb. 2 in Charles George Memorial Arena. Braves and Lady Braves basketball players from previous years were honored at halftime.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Byron Jase Locust
Byron Jase Locust, 26, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of James William Locust Jr. and Elisha Wildcatt Locust of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Mary R. Smith
Mary R. Smith, 89, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at Tsali Care Center in Cherokee, surrounded by her loving family.
OBITUARY: Josephine Yde Bradley (Jo)
Josephine Yde Bradley (Jo), beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 surrounded by her family at the age of 87.
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 Art Market shifting to virtual platform in 2021
As a result of the ongoing surge of the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant, Cherokee Nation is shifting to a virtual platform for the 16th annual Cherokee Art Market. The virtual market will run Dec. 6-17 and will feature premier Native American art from various tribal nations.
Blues Traveler is heading to Cherokee
Famed blues rock outfit Blues Traveler will be making their way to Cherokee on Sept. 24 for a concert at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
“Searching for Sequoyah” documentary to explore his life
“Searching for Sequoyah”, produced by James M. Fortier and LeAnne Howe, will air on PBS stations nationwide starting in November and examines not only that major accomplishment but also the man’s intriguing life.
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