NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cochran hearing postponed, two more local sheriffs face removal
The pretrial hearing set for Feb. 17 in Cherokee Tribal Court for the sexual abuse case against former Swain Co. Sheriff Curtis Cochran was postponed to June 8. Graham Co. Sheriff Brad Hoxit faces removal due to alleged abuse of power for personal gain, and former Cherokee Co. Sheriff Dustin Smith resigned effective Feb. 6 due to allegations of willful and habitual negligence, both levied by District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Feb. 17)
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.
Noquisiyi Mound deed transfer to EBCI to happen next week
According to officials from the Noquisi Initiative, their organization will transfer the deed to the Noquisiyi (formerly known as Nikwasi) Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) early next week. The details are still being finalized.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Doula Program up and running
In January, the One Feather reported that The Center for Native Health (CNH) had been selected to receive a $500,000 grant, provided by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and supported by the Spirit Aligned Leadership Program, to establish a doula program for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Hyatt returns to his roots as Mainspring’s new executive director
When Sylva resident Jeremy Hyatt looks across the landscape of western North Carolina, he doesn’t just see beautiful scenery — he sees his childhood.
Woodcarving Club starts up in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) member, carver and art collector Driver Blythe has started a biweekly woodcarving club at the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Building with renowned Cherokee carvers Davy Arch and Dewey Owle.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
Report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
My name is Michael Stamper, and I have the honor of serving as the Council Representative for the Painttown Community. If you’re unfamiliar with me, I began my role in January 2023, filling the remaining months of the term vacated by the late and great Miss Tommye Saunooke. Since then, I’ve had the great privilege of being re-elected twice to continue serving the Painttown Community.
THE GOOD STUFF: Karyl Frankiewicz is a wonderful ambassador on so many levels
If you have ever seen Karyl Frankiewicz, you have seen her smile and you have seen her wonderful spirit. She brings a smiling face and joy to everyone and every event she attends.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Easy Peasy, Part 1 of 2
We live in a world where Satan has such a great hold on our society that we are forced to abide by the perversion of law and social acceptance of sin. How do we combat the constant influence of sin in our lives, education, media, and entertainment?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Carly Elizabeth Johnson
Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Her unexpected departure has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her most.
OBITUARY: Mystical Parker
Mystical Parker, 54, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away after a period of declining health on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Patricia Goodson Ensley
Patricia Goodson Ensley, 69, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. A native of Haywood County and longtime resident of Cherokee N.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles Junior and Alice Irene Goodson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Ricky Dean Goodson.
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
Bardo Arts Center plans for a permanent exhibit on contemporary Cherokee culture, language
Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University has announced plans to host a permanent and contemporary exhibit of Cherokee culture and language, developed in collaboration with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Cherokee Heritage Center prepares for 50th annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale
Artwork is now being accepted for the 50th annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale, hosted by the Cherokee Heritage Center.
Tribal members receive fellowships from South Arts
Two members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have been named recipients of South Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellowships.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm