NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Sleight and Roland child abuse cases schedule update
In August 2024, Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, then 78, who was employed as Santa at Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo in Cherokee, was arrested by Cherokee Indian Police Department on 13 child abuse charges including two counts of aggravated sexual abuse; two counts of sexual abuse; two counts of abusive sexual contact; three counts of offensive touching; two counts of contributing to the delinquency, undiscipline, neglect, or abuse of minors; and two counts of child abuse in the first degree.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Feb. 3)
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.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“A Sacred Thread” showcases the Snowbird Community’s language, culture, and land back efforts
A Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) North Carolina documentary about Cherokee language and cultural revitalization in Tutiyi (Snowbird) titled “A Sacred Thread,” premiered on July 31.
EBCI Higher Education continues Summer Youth College Experience Program
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Higher Education office recently completed their most recent Summer Youth College Experience Program (SYCEP), a five-week long high school program for EBCI rising freshmen to rising seniors.
August Birthdays and Anniversaries
August Birthdays and Anniversaries
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: When a man really cares
Jordan Oocumma came to Noquisi Initiative in 2024 wanting to rekindle a broad respect for Noquisiyi.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Discipline
God made us; He knows us better than we know ourselves. The wisdom of God far outweighs the fantasies of those who think you can raise a child to respect their parents and ultimately the authority of God without the knowledge of punishment and the results of one’s actions.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Discipline
The scripture is tough but easy to understand. The formula is simple. If we expect heavenly rewards after we leave this old world, we need to expect discipline as a consequence of our actions while we are here.
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: Jeremiah Taylor
Jeremiah Taylor, age 63, of the Big Cove Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at his residence after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”
Mary Arlene Walker Reagan “Arlene”, 75, of Whittier, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Cherokee, N.C. She was born on April 22, 1950, in Stilwell, Okla., to the late Owen and Cornelia Proctor Walker. Arlene’s life was rooted in devotion to her family and the simple joys that brought her fulfillment.
OBITUARY: William “Pat” Calhoun
William “Pat” Calhoun, 77, of the Painttown Community, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Hewitt and Evelyn Hornbuckle Calhoun.
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
Charlie Daniels Band reschedules at Harrah’s Cherokee
The Charlie Daniels Band: Fire on the Mountain Tour with special guests The Marshal Tucker Band show scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center has been rescheduled for Friday, April 23, 2021.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm