NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors that feeding bears is illegal and dangerous
The National Park Service urges visitors to not feed or approach black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has seen an increase in incidents involving visitors feeding bears. Feeding wildlife is illegal and endangers you, other visitors and bears.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 12)
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.
National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration work towards expedited repair of US441/Newfound Gap Road
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the Aug. 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be complete in early October.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CLMAP receives Impact Award from WCU
The Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program (CLMAP) 2025 cohort has worked closely with Western Carolina University (WCU) School of Art and Design assistant professor Tatiana Potts and her printmaking classes to create a series of children’s books for Cherokee language and cultural learning.
“Grease” is the word: Cherokee Central is heading to Rydell High
The antics of Danny and Sandy and the T-Birds and Pink Ladies will be brought to life by students in an upcoming production by the Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) musical theatre program.
Tribal member named a Virginia A. Groot Craft Futures Resident
Ky’Lee Robison, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) with Mvskoke heritage, has been selected to receive the prestigious Virginia A. Groot Residency at the Center for Craft.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call: Part Three
I heard a quote the other day that rings true. “What was once shunned and hidden in the dark alleys is now openly displayed in our living rooms and broad daylight on Main Street.”
COMMENTARY: More on tribal radio – Broadcasting would help us share our story and learn our language
Just a few more things about the benefits of the tribe adding a broadcast radio station as a part of our overall media and economic development strategy:
THE GOOD STUFF: Matthew Tooni is passionate about sharing music and language
At last year’s Kituwah Celebration, the gentle sounds of a flute could be heard wisping through the air at the ancient Mother Town of the Cherokee. The beautiful sounds were being performed by Matthew (Matt) Tooni, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who always brings beautiful music and a passion for Cherokee language and culture wherever he goes.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL: Lady Braves continue winning streak in historic season
On Thursday, Sept. 28, the Varsity Lady Braves defeated the Andrews Lady Wildcats in three sets in a dominating home match in Charles George Memorial Arena.
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves dominate at Hiwassee Dam meet
The Cherokee Middle School Lady Braves cross country team remained undefeated on the season with a large win at the Hiwassee Dam Eagles Meet on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
RUNNING: Tribal member completes 100-mile race
When Katelynn Ledford-McCoy finished The Georgia Jewel 100-Miler trail race recently, she wasn’t concerned with her time nor place in the race. She was concerned with finishing work that was started last year.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Jack “Ray” Blankenship
Jack “Ray” Blankenship, 86, of Cherokee went home Thursday, April 3, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Roy and Georgia Goforth Blankenship.
OBITUARY: Allen “Leonard” Tolley
Allen “Leonard” Tolley, born on Oct. 6, 1942, to the late William “Dink” and Olive Maney “Ollie” Tolley, of Cherokee, walked into his eternal reward, April 1, 2025, He was a dedicated individual and a proud veteran of the US Army.
OBITUARY: Patricia Ann Owle
Patricia Ann Owle, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving Family. She is the daughter of Helen Elizabeth Arch and the late Johnson “Sonny” Arch Jr.
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
Tribal member’s work featured in “Powerful Women” exhibit at Eiteljorg
A new exhibit at the world-renowned Eiteljorg Museum will feature the work of a Cherokee artist.
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle discusses her debut novel
I sat down with Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle a week before the official publication date of her new novel “Even As We Breathe”.
Tribal member publishes first in series of children’s books
Flip and Flop, two lovable twin rabbits, are the creations of Leslie Pearson and will be featured in a series of 10 children’s books.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm