NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
CCS School Board holds January meeting
The School Board of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) met on Monday, Jan. 12 in the Central Office Board Room. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jennifer Thompson at 4:51 p.m.
Groundbreaking held for Cherokee Cultural Grounds
Leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) broke ground on the new Cherokee Cultural Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. on the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 12.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 12)
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.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
“I need to go and do my part”: Tribal elder’s memory honored with Congressional Record
The life and military service of the late Fred B. Lunsford, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who was a World War II veteran and a Baptist minister, was honored during a ceremony at the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Wednesday, July 2.
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.
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
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.
2023 Qualla Country Fish Tournament results
The Qualla Country Fish Tournament was held in Cherokee, N.C. on Aug. 26-27. A total of 72 anglers turned in tags winning money prizes including Billy Hunnicutt, of Clover, S.C., who turned in a green tag and won the grand prize of $5,000.
FOOTBALL: Braves quintuple offensive output of Rosman in big home win
The Cherokee Braves (3-1) had more than five times the offensive output of Rosman (487 yards to 97) as they went on to a big win in their Smoky Mountain Conference opener. Cherokee won 43-6 over the Tigers in the game played on the evening of Friday, Sept. 8 at Ray Kinsland Stadium.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Riley Ledford
Riley Ledford, 82, of the Birdtown Community, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Moses and Cordelia Murphy Ledford.
OBITUARY: Brandon Cruze Daniel “B”
Brandon Cruze Daniel “B” passed away peacefully at his residence in Cherokee, N.C. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. He was the son of the late Myranda Ann Daniel.
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.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 17-19
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.
Legendary poet Nikki Giovanni to be keynote speaker at WCU’s New Student Convocation
Western Carolina University will officially welcome the incoming freshman class and new transfer students at the annual New Student Convocation beginning 5:30pm on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center.
WCU department hosting meteor shower viewing at Waterrock Knob
Western Carolina University’s Department of Chemistry and Physics will be hosting a viewing of the Perseid meteor shower from 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, through sunrise on Monday, Aug. 13, at Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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.
Peone named SWAIA’s executive director, first Native woman in history to hold position
After a nationwide search, SWAIA’s (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) Board of Directors has announced the selection of Kim Peone as its new executive director.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm