NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi approves increase to tribal levy and privilege tax; approves FY26 budget
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved an increase to the tribal levy and privilege tax and approved the FY2026 budget for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Dinilawigi approves budget amendments, requests to apply for grant funding
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved several budget amendments and requests from programs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to apply for grant funding. Items No. 15-20, all submitted by Brandi Claxton, interim secretary of treasury, were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.
Dinilawigi tables, withdraws several pieces of legislation during September session
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tabled several ordinances during the Orders of the Day portion of its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4 including one designed to solve an upcoming vacancy on the Cherokee School Board. Several of these were tabled for more discussion before being brought to the floor for a vote.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute to celebrate Alumni Week and announces International Conference Opportunity
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to share two exciting updates that reflect their continued commitment to culturally based leadership development for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Code Purple: A Community Response
Jeff Helpman, pastor of The Grove Church on Franklin Grove in Bryson City, heads a Code Purple warming center at his church with the help of his wife, Jodi Helpman, who is graduating this May from Western Carolina University’s Master of Social Work program.
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.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER: Reflections on Memorial Day
I was privileged to attend our Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26. It was beautifully done and overwhelming in its significance.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: An old African Proverb
Many people decline to participate in the ministry because they feel they have nothing to offer. They are not speakers, teachers, leaders, or educators, and they do not think they are a vital part of the body of Christ.
COMMENTARY: Truth and Transparency in Journalism
I can understand how frustrating it must be to be a government official these days. In a world where even the most delicate item about a person’s personal life can be easily “pulled up” on a website or social media page, readers can find out most things about most people and things in a few moments of research online.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Family support is crucial for youth sports
During a cross country meet, hosted by Swain Co. High School, at Kituwah on a recent misty morning, I witnessed something I see time and time again at sporting events – family support.
CROSS COUNTRY: Lady Braves continue winning ways at Swain-hosted meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves cross country team has won the team title at every meet they’ve competed in this season. They continued that streak at a meet hosted by Swain Co. High School at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 16.
JV FOOTBALL: Cherokee wins big on rainy Homecoming Night
Even with a lightning delay at the start and rain scattered throughout, the Cherokee JV Braves put on an offensive show for their Homecoming Night. Cherokee (4-1) topped Hayesville (1-3) by a score of 62-22 in a rainy game at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 14.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Ernest D. Panther
Ernest D. Panther better known as “Ernie”, age 90, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 after an extended illness. He is the son of the late Sam Panther and Emmaline Sequoyah.
OBITUARY: Rex Allen Swayney
Rex Allen Swayney, 65, of Sylva, N.C., passed away on Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, at Vero Health and Rehab of Sylva, N.C., following an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Blanche Emmaline Teesateskie
Blanche Emmaline Teesateskie, age 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A native of Graham County and a lifelong member of the Snowbird Community, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Jeanette Sue Rattler Teesateskie.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Sept. 14-16
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 Pow Wows for Sept. 7-9
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 Pow Wows for Aug. 30 – Sept. 2
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
An abbreviated WCU Spring Literary Festival moves online
Western Carolina University’s annual Spring Literary Festival has gone electric.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm