NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Longperson inherent rights recognized by Dinilawigi (Tribal Council)
On the morning of Thursday, Jan. 8, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) unanimously passed a resolution recognizing “the inherent rights of the Longperson, a natural entity within the boundary and ancestral homelands of the Cherokee people.”
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Jan. 8)
The One Feather will now provide regular legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Franklin Town Council paves way for Noquisiyi Mound deed transfer to EBCI
The Franklin Town Council approved a resolution that paves the way for the deed of the Noquisiyi (formerly known as Nikwasi) Mound to be transferred from the Noquisi Initiative to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Senior Citizens participate in National Elder Abuse Awareness Walk
The Cherokee Senior Citizens Program, in collaboration with community members, participated in a nationwide Elder Abuse Awareness Walk recently, joining thousands across the country to bring attention to a serious and often overlooked issue: the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
EBCI Tribal Option promotes healthy vision this July
July is recognized as Healthy Vision Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
An amazing journey: Keredith “Tooter” Owens has traveled the world dancing, sharing culture
Sitting at a table in the Qualla Boundary Public Library, Keredith “Tooter” Owens looks over a pile of her photographs documenting her career as a fancy shawl dancer at pow wows.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Control yourself, Part 1 of 2
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, sounds conceptually lovely, but the fact is, many people don’t feel it, don’t know it, and don’t use the power God gave them through His Spirit. That power allows us to lean on Jesus and overcome temptation as He did.
COMMENTARY: But wait, there’s more.
I question the transparency of government a bunch. Questioning the government isn’t always the healthiest thing for a career in tribal government.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Compelling devotion, Part 2 of 2
Let’s look at Luke 14:16-23: “Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
CROSS COUNTRY: Lady Braves continue winning ways at Swain-hosted meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves cross country team has won the team title at every meet they’ve competed in this season. They continued that streak at a meet hosted by Swain Co. High School at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 16.
JV FOOTBALL: Cherokee wins big on rainy Homecoming Night
Even with a lightning delay at the start and rain scattered throughout, the Cherokee JV Braves put on an offensive show for their Homecoming Night. Cherokee (4-1) topped Hayesville (1-3) by a score of 62-22 in a rainy game at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 14.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Winston Carl Wolfe Welch
Winston Carl Wolfe Welch, of the Big Cove Community, passed from this earth on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. Winston lived with mental health struggles that, while invisible, were a heavy burden.
OBITUARY: R. Leo James
R. Leo James, 86, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
OBITUARY: Harold George
Harold George, a cherished member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on Sept. 20, 1953, in Cherokee, N.C., Harold led a life filled with love, laughter.
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
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.
An abbreviated WCU Spring Literary Festival moves online
Western Carolina University’s annual Spring Literary Festival has gone electric.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm