NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Roland enters guilty plea in federal child abuse case
On the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 4 in the Asheville U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Shawnenna Caroline Roland, 41, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), entered a guilty plea with Magistrate Judge W. Carleton Metcalf presiding, for one count of child abuse in Indian Country, one count of child neglect in Indian Country, and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. The incidents occurred in May 2024. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Heart to Heart earns national reaccreditation from The National Children’s Alliance
The Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center has achieved reaccreditation from The National Children’s Alliance.
Introducing KG3’s new executive vice president: Gary Libby
In July, Gary Libby joined Kituwah Global Government Group (KG3), the government contracting (GovCon) sector of Kituwah, LLC., as the executive vice president. Libby is an army veteran with decades of experience in GovCon.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Middle School Honor Roll – 1st Quarter
Cherokee Middle School Honor Roll – 1st Quarter
State Archives Program to explore Cherokee experiences during the American Revolution
The State Archives of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, will host a virtual program Wednesday, Nov. 4 exploring the complex history of the American Revolution in the Cherokee homeland and the challenges of commemorating the conflict in western North Carolina.
Patsy & Henry Lambert Legacy Fund established to support Cherokee families and community needs
Patrick and Cyndi Lambert have established the Patsy & Henry Lambert Legacy Fund through the Community Foundation of western North Carolina. The permanent charitable endowment will support Cherokee families and community needs for generations.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: The One Feather stance on the use of AI
On June 18, the Cherokee One Feather Editorial Board adopted the policy of not using artificial intelligence in any of our work products. That means that, as a media outlet, we are choosing not to incorporate writing, photos, videos, or graphics that have been altered in any way by “thinking” computer programs
THE GOOD STUFF: The race seen around the world
Those of us who were lucky enough to attend the 114th Cherokee Indian Fair Baby Crawling contest on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 6 witnessed an epic race.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call: Part 5 of 8
I heard a quote the other day that rings true. “What was once shunned and hidden in the dark alleys is now openly displayed in our living rooms and broad daylight on Main Street.”
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam largest yet
Wheels were thundering across the concrete as the 10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam was held at the Ayvdagwalosgiyi (Thunder Place) in Elawodi (Yellowhill) in Cherokee, N.C., on Unadodaquidena (Saturday), Duliisdi (Sept.) 12.
FOOTBALL: Cherokee wins Battle of the Nations
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves), representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, defeated the Choctaw Central Warriors, representing the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, in overtime 28-27 to win the Annual Battle of the Nations trophy. The game was held at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Friday, Sept. 4.
Ring Ceremony held for 1A/2A Indoor Track State Champion Joscelyn Stamper
A ring ceremony was held for Cherokee High School Senior Joscelyn Stamper, who won first place in shot put at the NCHSAA 1A/2A Indoor Track State Championship with a throw of 36’7”.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Ismelda Dayanira Colindres Mendoza
Ismelda Dayanira Colindres Mendoza, 52, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville following a short illness.
OBITUARY: Vincent Lee Sneed
Vincent Lee Sneed, 59, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. He will be remembered by his family as a man whose life was marked by resilience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges that many could never imagine.
OBITUARY: Jeffrey Lee Smith
Jeffrey Lee Smith, a cherished member of the Swain County community, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, while serving and protecting those he loved.
HAPPENINGS
Most events at Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds cancelled for June
ONE FEATHER STAFF REPORT 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 June. As of press...
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sculpture by Cherokee Nation citizen added to N.C. Arboretum’s collection
“Sacred Earth” by Cherokee Nation sculptor Karen Sixkiller features a larger-than-life water beetle perched on a large, faceted form and can now be seen along the walkways of the Stream Garden.
Culture in clay: Didanisisgi Gadagwatli (Mud Daubers) Pottery Exhibit opens
Beauty and incredible artistry were on display as this year’s Didanisisgi Gadagwatli (Mud Daubers) Pottery Exhibit opened at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Friday, June 5.
Former Ugvwiyuhi Lambert shares his story in “The River”
Patrick H. Lambert, former Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has poured his heart and soul into a new book. “The River: A Cherokee Principal Chief’s Fight for Family, Truth, and Vindication” chronicles his life which has included many historical moments for the EBCI.
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