NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 25, 2025)
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.
Connecting to the ancestors: Remember the Removal riders finish their journey
The 2025 Remember the Removal riders finished their journey as they arrived in Tahlequah, Okla. for a homecoming celebration on Friday, June 20 where they each received a medal. Following a send-off event at Kituwah on Friday, May 30, the riders began their trip on Monday, June 2 in New Echota, Ga., the former capital of the Cherokee Nation.
Interior, USDA Forest Service expand mental health support for federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers
The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced on Friday, June 20 that federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers now have access to expanded mental health support through a network of licensed providers.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Thompson and CIHA Physical Therapy Department named 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award recipient
Jennifer Thompson, DPT, CLT, physical therapy manager at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), and the CIHA Physical Therapy Department were named the winner of the 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award.
EBCI selects its 2025 Remember the Removal ride candidates
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has selected six tribal members to join riders from the Cherokee Nation in June 2025 on the annual Remember the Removal Ride (RTR). The ride will retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears.
WCU alumna records 100,000th person into craftsman database
Isabel Driver knows how important the work she does is. As an intern with the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University, Driver etched 224 craftspeople into the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts’ craftsman database.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs unfairly attacks EBCI
There is a lot of opposition to the way the Lumbee are going about seeking their recognition. It is incredibly unfair for the N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs to single out Ugvwiyuhi Hicks and the EBCI and give the tribe the moniker of defamers and troublemakers.
COMMENTARY: The best present is your presence
Make a point of visiting a rest home or nursing home during the holidays. I know that sounds like an admonition, but it isn’t entirely. It should be a reminder and an incentive for compassion during this season of giving.
COMMENTARY: Ethics, exception, and extenuating circumstances
I think it is important for our community to read and understand a dialogue that accompanied a vote in Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) regarding legislation submitted by the Office of Internal Audit and Ethics.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Otter signs to play at Mars Hill University
Xavier Otter, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent, during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Wednesday, May 10, to play football at Mars Hill University.
RUNNING: Lossiah signs with Haskell Indian Nations Univ.
Another member of the highly-decorated men’s cross country team at Cherokee High School (CHS) is going to run at the next level. Anthony Lossiah, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, signed a letter of intent to run collegiately for Haskell Indian Nations University during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Monday, May 8. He will run cross country and track.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts SMC Championships
Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted the 2023 Smoky Mountain Conference track and field championships on the windy afternoon of Wednesday, May 3.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Hugh Branner Hall Jr.
Hugh Branner Hall Jr. (Buddy), 92, of Waynesville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Mr. Hall was born in Waynesville on July 5, 1932 to the late Edith McKay Hall and Hugh Branner Hall, Sr.
OBITUARY: Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”
Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”, 82, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cherokee, N.C. on Sept. 3, 1942 to the late Quincy Adam Owl and Winne Mae Junaluskie Owl.
OBITUARY: Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson
Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson, 74, passed away Dec. 20, 2024 at Cherokee Indian Hospital surrounded by family and friends after an extended battle with Multiple Myeloma.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 8-12
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.
Cradle of Forestry to host Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party
The Cradle of Forestry is inviting kids of all ages to Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 11am – 3pm. Smokey Bear turns 74 this year.
Upcoming Pow Wows for July 26-29
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
REVIEW: Sleepy Hollow Experience is ‘immersive and entertaining’
By PHILENIA WALKINGSTICK ONE FEATHER STAFF When the leaves change color so does the atmosphere of the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee. This year, the Cherokee Historical Association is working with director and producer Brian Clowdus to bring the Sleepy...
Spirit Animal looks to bring new flavor to Cherokee music scene
Spirit Animal, an indie-pop band from Brooklyn, New York will be playing in Cherokee on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center.
Brian Clowdus looks to bring a new Halloween tradition with Sleepy Hollow
The Sleepy Hollow Experience is coming to Cherokee starting this Thursday, Oct. 17.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm