NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
“Unified Minds Bring Harmony”: EBCI hosts National NAIWA Conference
Women from around Indian Country gathered at the recent 54th Annual NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association) Conference to share ideas and culture.
EBCI Office of Internal Audit and Ethics concludes investigation of Qualla Enterprises, LLC. Board
On June 3, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Office of Internal Audit and Ethics (OIAE) concluded their investigation of the Qualla Enterprises, LLC. Board of Managers in accordance with Res. 181 (2026)
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 8)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI Natural Resources, the Nature Conservancy, and Eastern Cherokee BIA host Eco-Cultural Wildland Fire training
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Natural Resources Department supported by the Eastern Cherokee Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Nature Conservancy held a National Wildlife Coordinating Group FFT2 wildland fire training recently with an eco-cultural focus to build tribal workforce development and produce community fire practitioners and wildland firefighters.
EBCI Community Clubs win at WNC Communities
The WNC Honors Awards, a signature program of WNC Communities, continued its 76-year tradition of recognizing rural community development clubs for their innovative ideas, volunteer-powered leadership, and grassroots service.
Two Cherokee women receive NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award
Two Cherokee women have received the In These Mountains NC Folklife Apprenticeship Award to better delve into the ancient art of making honeysuckle baskets
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: The Standard
“A flag or emblem formally used to show the central or rallying point of an army in battle,”
COMMENTARY: Tribal politics is not rocket science, but you do have to pay attention
We are governed through a document called “The Charter.” Like a constitution, it provides the broad stroke parameters of governmental function for our tribe. Unlike a constitution, the Charter has little language in it regarding the civil rights of the people who are governed.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work, Part 2 of 2
Sometimes we might wonder what motivates others to write letters and notes, clean up the messes, stand in the hot sun or cold weather, do the shopping, set up the tents, hand out the bulletins, play music, pull the cables, visit the sick or dying in the hospitals, homes, or hospices.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SOFTBALL: Zoie Shuler signs on with UT
Zoie Shuler, a senior at Robbinsville High School and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, signed on to play softball for the University of Tennessee (UT) on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Robbinsville High School gymnasium.
CROSS COUNTRY: Swimmer repeats as 1A West Regional champion; five CHS runners qualify for state
On the foggy morning of Saturday, Oct. 28, Dvdaya Swimmer, Cherokee High School (CHS) sophomore, repeated as 1A West Regional girls cross country champion.
ON THE SIDELINES: Lady Braves’ season was one for the books
As the last ball hit the floor ending the Cherokee Lady Braves 2023 volleyball season at Polk Co. High School on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 28, I hope everyone in attendance was aware of the magnitude of what their season meant.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Byron Jase Locust
Byron Jase Locust, 26, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of James William Locust Jr. and Elisha Wildcatt Locust of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Mary R. Smith
Mary R. Smith, 89, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at Tsali Care Center in Cherokee, surrounded by her loving family.
OBITUARY: Josephine Yde Bradley (Jo)
Josephine Yde Bradley (Jo), beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 surrounded by her family at the age of 87.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 24-26
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.
Inaugural Outdoor Economy Conference coming to WCU on Oct. 5
Western North Carolina’s flourishing outdoor industry will be the focus of a conference at Western Carolina University that will bring together area business owners, entrepreneurs, service providers and industry leadership to discuss topics such as product development, workforce development, marketing, financing and stewardship of natural resources.
Rooted in the Mountains Symposium to be held
The 9th Annual Rooted in the Mountains: Valuing Our Common Ground Symposium will be returning this fall at Western Carolina University. This year’s theme is “Heart Health – Women’s Health: Rooted in Culture”.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
EBCI artist’s work selected for “Bead Your State” project
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is represented in a beadwork project covering all states and provinces of the United States and Canada.
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”.
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