NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (April 14)
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.
Constitution Committee holds April meeting
The Constitution Committee of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) began their meeting on Thursday, April 9 without a quorum.
Tribal Bingo Project back on after construction halt
The Tribal Bingo Project is back on following a halt in construction that lasted a few weeks due to a right-of-way and easement dispute.
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
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WNC citizen concerned about encroachment on press freedom
I write as a concerned citizen of western North Carolina to draw attention to the growing encroachment on press freedom under the current administration, and the implications this has for our local democracy.
THE GOOD STUFF: Micah Swimmer shares culture and hope
I have known Micah Swimmer for years, and one thing that has always impressed me about him is his hope surrounding Cherokee culture and language. Whenever I see him at events, he is always sharing and educating.
COMMENTARY: When one of ours betrays us – An apology to the Eastern Band
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) has co-sponsored a bill to grant recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina – a state-recognized group whose ancestry and identity have long been a source of deep controversy among neighboring Native nations.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
FOOTBALL: Robbinsville 46 Cherokee 6
The Cherokee Braves (4-2) hosted the Robbinsville Black Knights (5-1) in a Smoky Mountain Conference match-up at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Friday, Sept. 29. The final score was Black Knights 46 Braves 6.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Michael Farriday Lambert Sr.
Michael Farriday Lambert Sr., 90, of the Yellowhill Community, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.
OBITUARY: Brina “Bri-Bri” L. Blauvelt
Brina “Bri-Bri” L. Blauvelt, 24, passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Savannah, Ga. Born in Robbinsville, N.C., she had lived in McIntosh County for the past 20 years.
OBITUARY: Maria “Ada” Arch
Maria “Ada” Arch, 61, of the Painttown Community, peacefully gained her wings surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
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
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.
Cherokee Heritage Center announces winners of the 49th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale
Winners of the 49th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show and Sale were announced Friday, July 10 during a virtual awards reception hosted on the Cherokee Heritage Center’s Facebook page.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm