NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI legislative updates (May 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). The focus will be on ordinances that change Cherokee Code, but sometimes resolutions of importance to the operation of the tribal government will also be included. The legislation is shown in the order in which they were introduced following the new ones for the week.
Resolution for EBCI to support Ela Dam removal advocacy passes
The Elohi Dinigatiyi (Earth Keepers) and the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA) Daughters submitted a resolution that was passed unanimously on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7 by Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) to “support the removal of Ela dam and the restoration of Longperson”.
Dinilawigi approves indefinite moratorium on data centers
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has approved a moratorium on data centers within the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). They passed Ord. No. 158 (2026) during the regular Dinilawigi session on Thursday, May 7 by a vote of 11-0 with Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee County) Rep. Michael Smoker being absent.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CCS increases E-STEAM learning thanks to CPF grant
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation approved a grant for $257,125 to Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) during its Fall Board meeting.
WCU Cherokee Center to hold 50th anniversary celebration Nov. 4
Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Center will celebrate five decades of outreach and partnership with the Cherokee community on Tuesday, Nov. 4 with an open house beginning at 5 p.m. followed by a reception and panel discussion at the Cherokee Youth Activity Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cherokee High School 1st quarter honor Roll (8th-12th grades)
Cherokee High School 1st quarter honor Roll (8th-12th grades)
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: I Miss Church, Part 3 of 3
Heb 10:24-25 “ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” NIV
COMMENTARY: A bittersweet time of life
I closed a chapter in my life this week (for a second time) – one that I had participated in for a couple of decades. I have always sought ways to serve my communities, including those in Haywood, Jackson, and the Qualla Boundary.
COMMENTARY: What should be the uses of the Kituwah pavilion?
What is proper use of the pavilion and Kituwah as a site? Where is the line drawn?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
VOLLEYBALL: Lady Braves win conference for the first time in school history; CMS Lady Braves repeat
The varsity Lady Braves volleyball team crushed their goal of winning the Smoky Mountain Conference championship for the first time in school history on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Charles George Memorial Arena. The Lady Braves defeated the Robbinsville Lady Knights in three sets for the championship title.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Edna Vera Saunooke Goshorn
Edna Vera Saunooke Goshorn, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, in Cherokee, N.C. She was born in Cherokee, N.C., on July 18, 1929, to the late Stacey Powell Saunooke and the late Anderson Saunooke.
OBITUARY: Brent Powers
Brent Powers, 44, of Whittier and the Snowbird Community passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 at his residence. He was the son of the late Joyce Gregory.
OBITUARY: Gregory Dean Bradley Jr.,
Gregory Dean Bradley Jr., 28, went to his eternal home on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, surrounded by his family.
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 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.
Late Cherokee artist to be featured at Gilcrease Museum
The innovative artistry and work of the late Shan Goshorn will be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Okla.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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