NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Chief Hicks Monthly Report for Ka-wo-ni – ᎧᏬᏂ (April)
April was a meaningful month filled with progress, strong partnerships, and time spent with our people. I’m proud to share a few highlights from the past several weeks.
EBCI Government Explained: The Cherokee Arts and Crafts Act
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has a community flush with artistic talent and history, and the Cherokee Arts and Crafts Act was passed to help with its sustainability.
Flip the Script: Tribe celebrates Older Americans Month
In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Senior Citizens Program hosted an event at the old Cherokee High School on the morning of Friday, May 9.
2025 Cherokee Indian Fair Countdown
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee people revisit homelands at Buck Creek
The Center for Native Health, in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources Division and the USDA Forest Service, recently coordinated a historic gathering at Buck Creek, marking the beginning of a series of gatherings aimed at strengthening dialogue and collaboration between the Forest Service and Cherokee people throughout their ancestral lands.
Carving a path: The future of Cherokee art collection
Driver Blythe, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is a graduate student and student teacher in Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Studies program.
Tribal member selected to Knoxville Mayor’s Youth Council
The Mayor’s Youth Council of Knoxville, Tenn. is made up of 15 young people who have a voice in the decisions of the city. Jasmine Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a student at Knoxville Montessori, has been selected to serve in the 2024-25 Council.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: We want your input. The community needs you.
While the tribal government recognizes the need for free speech and a free press, they sometimes balk at the release of information that, by all measurements, belongs to the members of our tribe.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The Old, Old Story
“If the presence of God is in the church, the church will draw the world in. If the presence of God is not in the church, the world will draw the church out.”-Charles Grandison Finney
LETTER: Statement from EBCI demands apology from Senator Tillis for offensive remarks
Last week, Senator Thom Tillis launched an emotional tirade on the Senate floor, targeting hundreds of tribal leaders and respected Native organizations with baseless accusations.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
JV FOOTBALL: Braves win big at home over Andrews
The Cherokee JV Braves (3-1) had a big night as they won 46-14 over the visiting Andrews JV Wildcats (1-3) at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the late summer evening of Thursday, Sept. 7.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee runners shine at home meet
Runners from Cherokee Middle School (CMS) and Cherokee High School (CHS) competed in a home meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 6 and placed well.
FOOTBALL: Braves stage major comeback to win Battle of the Nations
The Cherokee Braves (2-1) fell behind the Choctaw Central Warriors (0-2) by three scores early in the annual Battle of the Nations game, but they didn’t quit. Cherokee doubled Choctaw Central’s points (34-17) in the second half to win the game, held at Choctaw Central (Miss.) on Friday, Sept. 1, in dramatic fashion 41-37.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Hugh Branner Hall Jr.
Hugh Branner Hall Jr. (Buddy), 92, of Waynesville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Mr. Hall was born in Waynesville on July 5, 1932 to the late Edith McKay Hall and Hugh Branner Hall, Sr.
OBITUARY: Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”
Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”, 82, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cherokee, N.C. on Sept. 3, 1942 to the late Quincy Adam Owl and Winne Mae Junaluskie Owl.
OBITUARY: Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson
Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson, 74, passed away Dec. 20, 2024 at Cherokee Indian Hospital surrounded by family and friends after an extended battle with Multiple Myeloma.
HAPPENINGS
Native American Heritage Month to be celebrated at WCU with series of special events
November is Native American Heritage Month, and a series of events and activities is planned by Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Center in celebration of the designation.
Museum will offer stamped pottery workshop
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer a two-day workshop on making stamped pottery on Thursday, Nov. 1. Tammy Beane, of Collinsville, Ala., will teach how to make traditional Cherokee stamped pottery.
Upcoming Pow Wows on Oct. 26-27
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
Peone named SWAIA’s executive director, first Native woman in history to hold position
After a nationwide search, SWAIA’s (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) Board of Directors has announced the selection of Kim Peone as its new executive director.
99th Santa Fe Indian Market postponed until 2021
The 99th Santa Fe Indian Market, originally scheduled for Aug. 15-16, will be postponed until 2021, and the Centennial Celebration will be moved to 2022.
WCU offering free virtual art experiences
Bardo Arts Center is excited to announce a new webpage dedicated to virtual opportunities, arts.wcu.edu/virtual. This page houses information regarding all the various online experiences and events being hosted by the WCU Bardo Arts Center and the Belcher...
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