NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
April 23 Constitutional Convention session held without a quorum.
The Constitutional Convention meeting on Thursday, April 23 was convened with a roll call.
Chief’s Report – March
I want to share an update on the work we’ve been focused on throughout March.
EBCI among tribal communities to receive Indian Housing Block Grant funding
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is among the tribal communities to receive funding in a recent announcement of $1.1 billion in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Inheriting the game: Tsisqwohi’s Elias Griffin
Elias Griffin, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Anetso (Stickball) team. Griffin said he comes from the Griffin and Ledford families, and he is a member of the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) community.
Coming home: Wudeligv’s Donato Seabolt
Donato Seabolt is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation from Tahlequah, Okla., where he works as an armed security officer for Cherokee Nation Health Services. He is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Wudeligv (west) Anetso (Stickball) team out of Oklahoma.
“Talehvga!”: Walelu’s Daryl Martin
Daryl Martin, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Walelu (Hummingbirds) Anetso (Stickball) team. Martin is the supply manager for Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: I Miss Church, Part 1 of 3
Heb 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” NIV
COMMENTARY: I don’t know why we go to extremes
The federal government has struggled in its roles of negotiation and reparation for the damage done in previous generations through war and failed assimilation strategies.
COMMENTARY: What would be fair?
Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the testimony of Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing concerning Senator Tillis’ bill S.107. You won’t see me doing that much. My personal ethics are that I keep my personal opinions out of the public area when it comes to our politicians, because I feel a moral obligation to be objective in my coverage of our leadership.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
VOLLEYBALL: Lady Braves win conference for the first time in school history; CMS Lady Braves repeat
The varsity Lady Braves volleyball team crushed their goal of winning the Smoky Mountain Conference championship for the first time in school history on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Charles George Memorial Arena. The Lady Braves defeated the Robbinsville Lady Knights in three sets for the championship title.
Swain Co. Hall of Fame inducts Spencer McCoy
Spencer McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was inducted into the Swain Co. Hall of Fame on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Swain Arts Center. McCoy was a tri-sport athlete of wrestling, football, and track.
SWIMMING: Tribal member honored for outstanding career
Rebecca Wolfe Damas won accolades for swimming at the high school, collegiate, and national levels, and now she has been honored by her local school district. Damas, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was inducted recently into the Clear Creek Independent School District (League City, Texas) Athletic Hall of Honor.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
Chad “Mongo” Donavon Burton
Chad “Mongo” Donavon Burton, 50, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 19,2025.
OBITUARY: Alexander Joseph Estep
Alexander Joseph Estep, 30, of Troy, Ill., went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. He died unexpectedly at his home in Whittier, N.C.
OBITUARY: Harland “Buck” Squirrell
Harland “Buck” Squirrell, 61, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C., after a period of declining health.
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
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”.
Tribal member publishes first in series of children’s books
Flip and Flop, two lovable twin rabbits, are the creations of Leslie Pearson and will be featured in a series of 10 children’s books.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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