NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Ward surrenders, victim impact statements read
On the morning of Monday, July 13, Dakota Ward surrendered in Cherokee Tribal Court, with Judge Barbara “Sunshine” Parker presiding, to begin his five-year sentence for four counts of false imprisonment and child abuse in the first degree. Victim impact statements were read for the record.
Interior launches Electronic Probate System to modernize trust estate services for American Indian and Alaska Native Families
The Department of the Interior announced on Monday, July 13 the launch of the Electronic Probate System, a secure digital platform that modernizes how probate cases are managed for American Indian and Alaska Native families across Indian Country.
Official Results for Dinilawigi on Wednesday, July 1
Official Results for Dinilawigi on Wednesday, July 1
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Hear it, Learn it, Pass it on; Meona Feather shares what she knows
Meona Feather is a second language learner in the Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program (CLMAP). She has recently began sharing language content on social media and has received positive feedback from the Cherokee community.
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Rolls 2025-26 (first and second nine weeks)
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Rolls 2025-26 (first and second nine weeks)
Cherokee High School 2nd quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 2nd quarter Honor Roll
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Your engine light is on, Part 2 of 2
The warning light urges you to act and become active in trying to find out what is wrong.
COMMENTARY: Common sense – Demand your rights to information
I am dumbfounded by some of the warnings and recommendations that are coming from authorities and social services groups these days. One advisory had to do with preventative measures for leaving a child in the backseat of a vehicle.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Your engine light is on, Part 1 of 2
Critical decision-making instruction is lacking in our basic educational systems. Many organizations teach about Critical Thinking, but few teach students how to think critically about anything.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Qualla Boundary Senior Games announces new N.C. Senior Games Ambassador
Sherrene Swayney, from Cherokee, N.C., has been chosen by Qualla Boundary Senior Games to serve as a North Carolina Senior Games (NCSG) Ambassador, she will join, Lois Dunston, Loretta Bolden, Margaret Teesateskie, Annie Owens, and Willard McCoy.
RUNNING: Bell signs to run cross country and track at Mars Hill University
Another member of the historic Cherokee High School (CHS) Braves 2021-22 cross country team has signed to run at the collegiate level.
4 The Future Foundation practices with inaugural CHS club lacrosse team
On the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 8, Jeremy Thompson of the Thompson Brothers’ 4 The Future Foundation (4TFF) and Stacy Smith Ledford, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and executive director of 4TFF, stepped onto the field at Ray Kinsland Stadium for practice with the inaugural Cherokee High School (CHS) club lacrosse team.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Dawson Wilnoty
Dawson Wilnoty, age 27, from Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. He was born Oct. 25, 1998 to Michael and Savannah Wilnoty. He was the grandson of Cleo and Chief Jonathan Taylor and the late Harriet James Seqyouyah and Bernard Wilnoty.
OBITUARY: Rebecca Hillane Lambert
Rebecca Hillane Lambert, age 69, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Born on May 26, 1956, to Hilliard and Thadress Green Sneed.
OBITUARY: James “Matt” Barnes
James “Matt” Barnes, 68, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation.
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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