NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (May 5)
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.
“We all feel loss”: 7th Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Walk held
Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) wore red to remember relatives taken too soon and bring awareness for those currently missing. The 7th Annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Walk, hosted by the Qualla Boundary MMIW (QBMMIW) Organization, was held at the Oconaluftee Island Park on the afternoon of Saturday, May 2.
Qualla Boundary Public Library awarded $88,800 from Cherokee Preservation Foundation to expand makerspace and workforce development programs
The Qualla Boundary Public Library has been awarded $88,800 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to support the continued development of the library makerspace and workforce development initiatives serving the Qualla Boundary community.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BIA conducts prescribed fires for long-term benefits
On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the Eastern Cherokee Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) ignited a prescribed fire in the Lickstone Ridge area. The next burn will be in the Dobson Ridge area.
“Saving the Voices”: Recording Cherokee speakers for the future
Darrell McCoy, Michael Fields, and Michael Cooksey from the Cherokee Nation Language Department have been exploring the Qualla Boundary during the first week of November, recording interviews with Cherokee speakers from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Cherokee Central Schools and community partners present “Community Book Gardens” at National Conference
Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) and community partners presented “Community Book Gardens: Growing Language and Literacy in Cherokee Nation” at the 2025 National Center for Families Learning Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Nov. 3.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Museum executive director reflects, looks to the future
In 2021 I was blessed to be selected as the new director of our Museum, and reflecting now, I am so proud of the work the Museum has accomplished. The foundation had been set before my arrival, though, to allow the Museum to begin to focus on our community more fully, and to tell more stories about who we are as Cherokee people today.
December report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of December. November was a very busy month, and I hope each of you enjoyed a restful holiday season with family and friends. As always, my report follows the standard format below.
THE GOOD STUFF: Janell Rattler always puts Cherokee elders first
If elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are involved, Janell Rattler will not be far behind – assisting wherever and however she can. She is the Senior Games coordinator in the Cherokee Recreation Program and has made it her life’s work to make sure that Cherokee elders have the opportunity to be active and healthy.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WRESTLING: Cherokee H.S. wrestlers place at SMC Championship
Several members of the Cherokee High School (CHS) wrestling team placed at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship held at Swain Co. High School on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 23.
WRESTLING: Cherokee takes on Smoky Mtn. (Jan. 11) and Murphy (Jan. 12)
Cherokee takes on Smoky Mtn. (Jan. 11) and Murphy (Jan. 12)
WRESTLING: James Orr Memorial results
Robbinsville High School hosted the James Orr Memorial Invitational wrestling tournament on Saturday, Jan. 13.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: James Richard Walkingstick
James Richard Walkingstick, also known as Jamie, 45, of Cherokee, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Hershel Felix Hyatt
Hershel Felix Hyatt enjoyed the simple pleasures of life-fishing, racing, and hunting-but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his family.
OBITUARY: Eugenia Thompson Guess
Eugenia Thompson Guess, born July 21, 1966, went home peacefully after an extended illness surrounded by family on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. She loved the Lord, and he was her anchor through her days spent in the hospitals.
HAPPENINGS
Aaron Lewis set to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Aaron Lewis has always had a strong connection with his fans, and today, he keeps the tradition alive revealing new music and touring.
Cherokee Nation artist featured in WCU art exhibit
The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is holding an exhibition exploring Cherokee language and culture, entitled “Outspoken: Paintings by America Meredith”, now through May 3.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 9-11
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Qualla Arts & Crafts celebrates 75 years of craft excellence
Seventy-five years to the day, officials at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc. (Qualla) celebrated the start of one of the most successful Native American craft co-ops in the country.
“Dracula” to sink his teeth into Mountainside Theatre
On Friday, Oct. 1, Mountainside Theatre will host the world premiere of “Dracula: The Failings of Men,” written by debut playwright Benedetto Robinson. The production is an original work by Havoc Movement Company that will be joining the Cherokee Historical Association for the fall season.
EBCI photographers featured in The 400 Years Project
The 400 Years Project is a new photography collective designed to showcase Native American life through the lens of Native photographers. Created in 2020 ahead of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s arrival from England, this project seeks to create a groundbreaking pictorial collection of photography from the mid-1800’s to the present.
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