NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Oct. 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.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) recognizes 150th anniversary of amendments to Lloyd Welch Constitution
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has passed legislation recognizing the 150th anniversary of amendments being adopted for the Lloyd Welch Constitution.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CHA awarded $698K grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation for expansion and upgrades
Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has announced the receipt of a grant totaling $698,000 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. This substantial funding will empower CHA to significantly expand its programming, finalize a comprehensive master plan, and implement crucial upgrades to its historic venues.
CHS expands Cultural Arts Programming
Beginning August 2025, CHS (Cherokee High School) Cultural Arts students will begin learning how to make ribbon skirts. This exciting addition builds on their current instruction in Cherokee baskets, pottery, finger weaving, and beadwork. The Cultural Arts class, taught by Lori Reed, is offered to all Cherokee High School students as an elective.
Running for hope: McCoy doing transcontinental run
McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has been doing a Transcontinental Run from San Diego, Calif. to Wilmington, N.C. to raise money for RezHOPE Recovery & Consulting Services and to raise awareness for recovery from drug addiction and mental health challenges.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the Light, Part 1 of 2
Many people do not have the vision to see the power of God in themselves. They lack confidence in themselves, which is a lack of faith in God who lives within them.
THE GOOD STUFF: Talking Trees Trout Derby is a great catch for families
Every year, over a thousand children, with parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles in tow, fill the Oconaluftee Island Park on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.) for the annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
COMMENTARY: Cherokee Women showed out in the Primary
On the evening of July 17, congratulatory remarks erupted across Facebook as several women running for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tallied impressive numbers in the unofficial results of the Primary Election.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
JV FOOTBALL: Braves win big at home over Andrews
The Cherokee JV Braves (3-1) had a big night as they won 46-14 over the visiting Andrews JV Wildcats (1-3) at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the late summer evening of Thursday, Sept. 7.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee runners shine at home meet
Runners from Cherokee Middle School (CMS) and Cherokee High School (CHS) competed in a home meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 6 and placed well.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lucy Taylor Bigmeat
Lucy Taylor Bigmeat, 94, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., went home to Paradise on June 20, 2025, surrounded by her family members. Born to William Taylor and Cecelia Standingdeer, she lived there until she met the love of her life, Mark Welch Bigmeat, and they made their home in Flint, Michigan, until 1972 before returning to Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Robert Cooper
Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
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
‘Dee’ Smith Tribute exhibit being hosted by Qualla Arts & Crafts
Qualla Arts and Crafts will be hosting an art exhibit open house on Friday, Feb. 28, to honor the late John Daniel ‘Dee’ Smith.
Luzene Hill, Cherokee artist, continues to push boundaries
Luzene Hill is an artist that likes to push boundaries.
Cherokee students presenting “Braves on Broadway”
The Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center will be filled with the sounds of Broadway on the evenings of Feb. 27-28.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm