NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors that feeding bears is illegal and dangerous
The National Park Service urges visitors to not feed or approach black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has seen an increase in incidents involving visitors feeding bears. Feeding wildlife is illegal and endangers you, other visitors and bears.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 12)
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.
National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration work towards expedited repair of US441/Newfound Gap Road
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the Aug. 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be complete in early October.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Our objects are living”: Museum of the Cherokee Peoples’ Collections tell an important history
Evan Mathis puts on plastic gloves, opens an area, and begins examining several old Cherokee baskets. He is working diligently to not only protect the items contained in the Museum of the Cherokee Peoples’ Collections area; but, he is working to help others learn about these fascinating and culturally-important items.
SCC, TERO hosts tiny house project
In a continued partnership with the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) in Cherokee, Southwestern Community College has started a class that trains students how to build a tiny house.
Cherokee High School student advocates for mental health
Ava Walkingstick is a sophomore at Cherokee High School (CHS). After losing her best friend and cousin, Cynthia “Mouse” Saunooke, in November 2023, Walkingstick has turned her grief into advocacy.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: “Strengthen Our Tribal Communities Act” is unfair to the EBCI
If a new North Carolina state house bill passes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) would be sharing a portion of its gaming revenues with various state-recognized groups and organizations including the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The basic premise is ludicrous, but read on.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call – Part Two
Everyone can identify and know what you are talking about with these statements. These examples are universal life experiences.
COMMENTARY: A tribal radio station would improve the safety of our community
Why don’t we have a tribal radio station? AM and FM radio are ultimately portable. Access to this type of one-way communication can be had with a second-hand, two-dollar transistor radio from the thrift store (the two AA batteries needed to power a radio cost more than the radio itself).
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Three-score second half lifts Mustangs over Braves
A big second half lifted the Smoky Mountain Mustangs (1-0) over Cherokee (0-1) in the season opener for the Braves at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Friday, Aug. 18.
JV FOOTBALL: Braves top Avery Co. on opening night
The Cherokee JV Braves (1-0) started their 2023 campaign out on a high note with a 26-8 victory over the visiting Avery Co. Vikings (0-1) at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 17.
Last runner standing: Cherokee couple tackles ultra running race
For one Cherokee couple, challenging themselves in their running is not only a passion, it’s a way of life. Kallup McCoy II and Katelynn Ledford-McCoy, husband and wife and both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, competed recently in the Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra Last Runner Standing event in Glenmont, Ohio.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Jack “Ray” Blankenship
Jack “Ray” Blankenship, 86, of Cherokee went home Thursday, April 3, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Roy and Georgia Goforth Blankenship.
OBITUARY: Allen “Leonard” Tolley
Allen “Leonard” Tolley, born on Oct. 6, 1942, to the late William “Dink” and Olive Maney “Ollie” Tolley, of Cherokee, walked into his eternal reward, April 1, 2025, He was a dedicated individual and a proud veteran of the US Army.
OBITUARY: Patricia Ann Owle
Patricia Ann Owle, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving Family. She is the daughter of Helen Elizabeth Arch and the late Johnson “Sonny” Arch Jr.
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
Cherokee students to revisit “Lion King Jr.” in upcoming performances
Several years ago, Cherokee students took to the stage and presented “Lion King Jr.” which was the first musical production in the history of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS). Now, many of those same students – a lot of them now seniors at Cherokee High School, are revisiting the play for a set of upcoming performances.
Cherokee artist to show at Rotunda Gallery in Sylva
A showing of new works and a series of prints by Jenean Hornbuckle, a landscape painter, will open at the Rotunda Gallery in the Sylva Library on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a reception sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council and Sequoyah Fund.
“Sleepy Hollow” hits the mark for year one
“The Sleepy Hollow Experience” capped off a successful debut year in Cherokee on Sunday, Nov. 3 after running 24 shows.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm