NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cucumber indicted for Murder in Indian Country
On October 7, a grand jury in Asheville returned a criminal indictment charging Derrick Alan Cucumber, 45, of Cherokee, N.C., with first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for killing Mario Sanchez Nino, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Noble warriors: Veteran’s Day event held in Cherokee
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces were honored during a Veteran’s Day ceremony at the headquarters of the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 in Cherokee, N.C.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
LETTER: Yellowhill Baptist Church cemetery is at capacity
Greetings from the Yellowhill Baptist Church, we are writing you this letter to inform you all of a decision that was discussed and agreed upon by the Pastor and the members of the Yellowhill Baptist Church.
THE GOOD STUFF: Ava Walkingstick receives One Feather Student of the Year Award
An outstanding young Cherokee woman has been named the inaugural winner of the Cherokee One Feather Student of the Year Award. The award was presented to Ava Walkingstick, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a rising junior at Cherokee High School (CHS), during the Reports to Council session on the morning of Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Cherokee High School 4th quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 4th quarter Honor Roll
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: The shadows are coming back
Nashoba Tushka jaunted into the end zone during a game at Ray Kinsland Memorial Stadium on Thursday evening. As I looked at the photo during a break and saw the silhouettes of people past the end zone – people covered in shadows, long shadows, I knew that autumn was on the way. The shadows are coming back.
COMMENTARY: How a pronoun may impact tribal elections
When we started discussing the possibility of having debates among the candidates, one of our stated goals was to turn down the volume of the rhetoric and have the candidates’ voices heard. I think we have done a fair job of doing that over the past decade and a half of tribal elections.
COMMENTARY: Look for the signs of weakness
It just so happens that we are in a season of election of our tribal leadership. And this is not a commentary on whether I think anyone, or any group, is either weak or strong in their leadership mindset.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: Middle School Lady Braves remain unbeaten on season
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves took first place at the Bulldog XC Meet, hosted by Murphy High School, on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 23, and remained unbeaten on the season.
JV FOOTBALL: Braves defeat previously unbeaten Swain Co.
On a night dialed up for football, the Cherokee JV Braves (5-1) handed rival Swain Co. (5-1) its first loss of the season. The Braves took advantage of several Maroon Devil turnovers en route to a 26-14 victory at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the cool, crisp evening of Thursday, Sept. 21.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Leona Mae Bradley
Leona Mae Bradley, 96, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully on Wednesday. July 16, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Leona was known for her warmth, strength, her unwavering love for her family, friends, and her wonderful cooking and gardening ability. She loved watching her birds and looking at her flowers.
OBITUARY: Brittnee Mariah Arch
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brittnee Mariah Arch, who left us on July 13, 2025, at the age of 31.
OBITUARY: Charles Asa James
Charles Asa James, 53, passed away July 3, 2025. He was born July 24, 1971 in Andrews, N.C. He is the son of the late Kenneth Wayne James Sr. of Marble, N.C., and Stella Louise Carver James of Bryson City, N.C.
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
Clapsaddle assisting in writers’ scholarship fundraiser
The Hindman Settlement School, which opened its doors in 1902, has developed a reputation as one of the best networks for Appalachian writers.
Little-Wolfe invited to Cosmo’s Top Model Competition
Aubrey Little-Wolfe is just getting started in the modeling business, but she’s already making a splash.
Tribal member to model in New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week will tentatively be held in September, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be one of the models participating.
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