NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Groups seeking federal acknowledgement as an Indian Tribe (October 2026 update)
Each month, the One Feather will give an update on the various groups seeking federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe either through Congressional means or by going through the OFA (Office of Federal Acknowledgment) process.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Oct. 21)
The One Feather provides 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.
Rising from the darkness: EBCI hosts Purple Lotus Day event
The strong voices of Cherokee women were at the forefront of a Purple Lotus Day event which brought awareness about domestic violence as well as provided a space for healing and support.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Fire Prevention Week held at CCS
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Cherokee Fire and Rescue and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Wildland Fire Service are providing fire prevention education, demonstrations, and career exploration at Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Oct. 12-15 from pre-K to high school.
Ball receives Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award
A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has been recognized with an esteemed honor recognizing his service to veterans. Samuel Gerard Ball was presented the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award during a session of Annual Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) on the morning of Monday, Oct. 12.
2026-27 EBCI Royalty crowned at Cherokee Indian Fair
The newly crowned royalty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) received their titles during the 114th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair, including Miss Cherokee Caedance Smith, Teen Miss Cherokee Nevayah Panther, Junior Miss Cherokee Khloe Sequoyah, Little Miss Cherokee Mattie Awee Moore, and Sr. Miss Cherokee Pearl Wolfe.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.”
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call: Part 4 of 8
The mission of BikerDownLiftedUp is to lead them to Jesus and His strength, His comfort, and His healing, both physically and spiritually. Sometimes God provides an opportunity to help them answer that ultimate question they all ask eventually.
COMMENTARY: The deer are out; here are some insurance, safety tips
Deer can be seen along roadways anytime of the year. However, the months of October, November and December account for 40% to 44% of all deer-vehicle collisions in the United States.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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”.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee teams place at TCEC Jaguar Jungle Run
The Cherokee High School (CHS) and Middle School (CMS) cross country teams participated in the Tri-County Early College (TCEC) Jaguar Jungle Run on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
CROSS COUNTRY: Middle School Lady Braves win season opener at Hayesville
The Cherokee Middle School cross country teams traveled to Hayesville for their season-opening meet on Saturday, Aug. 22, and the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) took first place in the team contest.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Tasdia Skye Cisneros
Tasdia Skye Cisneros, 37, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at 06:30 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C.
OBITUARY: Phyllis Elaine Jumper
Phyllis Elaine Jumper, 59, of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C. after a period of declining health.
OBITUARY: Harold Kenneth Herron Jr.
Harold Kenneth Herron Jr., of Las Vegas, Nev., passed away at 57 surrounded by family on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
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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