NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (May 2025)
Each month, the One Feather will provide legislative updates on various pieces of federal legislation of interest to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Chief Hicks Monthly Report for Ka-wo-ni – ᎧᏬᏂ (April)
April was a meaningful month filled with progress, strong partnerships, and time spent with our people. I’m proud to share a few highlights from the past several weeks.
EBCI Government Explained: The Cherokee Arts and Crafts Act
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has a community flush with artistic talent and history, and the Cherokee Arts and Crafts Act was passed to help with its sustainability.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
CIHA welcomes new administrator of Tsali Care Center
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is proud to announce Michelle Tenhengel-deVille as the facility’s new administrator. With an impressive background in nursing leadership and executive healthcare management, she brings a wealth of experience, vision, and compassion to this vital role in our community.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Disagrees with North Carolina Election Director replacement
Elections in North Carolina have remained fair, trusted, and continuously under attack by those unable to accept the outcome.
EDITORIAL: Eastern Band unity
Now more than any time in our history since the Removal, we need to be a people focused on purpose and committed to each other in action.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call Part Four
A Close Call from Jesus. A solemn close call. Have you ever had a close call with Jesus to live? Are you listening?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: The meaning of a teammate
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) have continued to dominate in the 2024-25 season, initiating a mercy rule running clock for most of their games, echoing last year’s championship run.
SOFTBALL: Tiger-Harlan signs with Reinhardt University
Mica Tiger-Harlan, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Smoky Mountain High School (SMHS), signed a letter of intent at SMHS in Sylva, N.C. on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 28 to play softball for Reinhardt University.
BASKETBALL: Rogers signs with Montreat College
Around 100 people filed into the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 25 to witness a very dedicated athlete sign to play at the next level. Whitney Rogers, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and a senior member of the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity basketball team, signed a letter of intent to play for Montreat College during the ceremony.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Rex Allen Swayney
Rex Allen Swayney, 65, of Sylva, N.C., passed away on Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, at Vero Health and Rehab of Sylva, N.C., following an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Blanche Emmaline Teesateskie
Blanche Emmaline Teesateskie, age 69, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A native of Graham County and a lifelong member of the Snowbird Community, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Jeanette Sue Rattler Teesateskie.
OBITUARY: Ray Anthony McCoy
Ray Anthony McCoy, 56, of Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of Carl Ray McCoy of Cherokee and the late Lucy Wildcatt.
HAPPENINGS
Most events at Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds cancelled for May
With the landscape constantly changing regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has cancelled or rescheduled most of the events at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds for the month of May.
Folkmoot International Festival cancelled due to COVID-19
The 37th annual Folkmoot International Festival, scheduled for July 18-26, has been cancelled, due to uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19.
SCC to offer webinar, “Preparing your business for the threat of Coronavirus”
Is your business prepared for the Coronavirus? Southwestern Community College will be hosting a webinar on that topic from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“The Way We Connect with the World:” A Night for Indigenous Filmmaking
The Museum of the Cherokee People hosted their annual Indigenous film screening, “The Way We Connect with the World,” on the evening of Friday, Aug. 2 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Cherokee Historical Association and the Center for Cultural Preservation to host Cherokee cultural event and film screening
Cherokee Historical Association has partnered with the Center for Cultural Preservation to screen “Nature’s Wisdom Thru Native Eyes”, by award winning documentary filmmaker David Weintraub.
CCS Student Art Show Award recipients
Cherokee Middle School (CMS) and Cherokee High School (CHS) held their Student Art Show on the Night of the Arts at Cherokee Central Schools on Thursday, May 9.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm