NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Officials give project updates at recent Planning Board meeting
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Planning Board met at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 18 in the Tribal Council House.
“Gadugi”: Cherokee High School Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony
The Commencement Ceremony for the Cherokee High School (CHS) Class of 2026 was held on the morning of Saturday, May 23 in the Charles George Memorial Arena for 92 graduates.
May Editorial Board meeting held
The monthly Editorial Board meeting of the Cherokee One Feather was held on the morning of May 21 in the Ginger Lynn Welch Poke Salad Room. The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Editorial Board Chairperson Brooklyn Brown.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute awarded grants from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI), a department of the Cherokee Boys Club, has announced that it has received two grant awards from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) to support its culturally based leadership programs for youth and adults.
A Butterfly’s Heart: Melah Perkins’ fashion show debut
Kimmemelah Chontay Perkins, or Melah, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Sioux, is a beadwork and quillwork artist making her debut as a designer in the Kananesgi Fashion Show coming up Nov. 8.
Waleli Crow brings an artist’s eye to modeling
Waleli Crow is surrounded daily by art, and modeling offers her another artistic outlet. Crow, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. where she majors in dramatic writing with minors in film and television and graphic design.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Janell Rattler always puts Cherokee elders first
If elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are involved, Janell Rattler will not be far behind – assisting wherever and however she can. She is the Senior Games coordinator in the Cherokee Recreation Program and has made it her life’s work to make sure that Cherokee elders have the opportunity to be active and healthy.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Christmas Story
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s (Mary’s cousin) pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
COMMENTARY: 2025
Looking back on this year’s newspaper, I am so proud of the amazing team that delivers Qualla Boundary news to you. While the headline might capture the focus of the week each week for our community, that is only the tip of what those editions brought to us in community news over the year.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Swain Co. Hall of Fame inducts Spencer McCoy
Spencer McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was inducted into the Swain Co. Hall of Fame on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Swain Arts Center. McCoy was a tri-sport athlete of wrestling, football, and track.
SWIMMING: Tribal member honored for outstanding career
Rebecca Wolfe Damas won accolades for swimming at the high school, collegiate, and national levels, and now she has been honored by her local school district. Damas, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was inducted recently into the Clear Creek Independent School District (League City, Texas) Athletic Hall of Honor.
FOOTBALL: Robbinsville 46 Cherokee 6
The Cherokee Braves (4-2) hosted the Robbinsville Black Knights (5-1) in a Smoky Mountain Conference match-up at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Friday, Sept. 29. The final score was Black Knights 46 Braves 6.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Eugenia Thompson Guess
Eugenia Thompson Guess, born July 21, 1966, went home peacefully after an extended illness surrounded by family on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025. She loved the Lord, and he was her anchor through her days spent in the hospitals.
OBITUARY: Thomas Joseph “Tom” Haigler
Thomas Joseph “Tom” Haigler, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at home in Bryson City, N.C., with his daughter by his side.
OBITUARY: Leonard E. Lossiah (Butch)
Leonard E. Lossiah (Butch), 77, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
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
“Many Faces” mask exhibit opens at Museum of the Cherokee Indian
A new exhibit at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, called “Many Faces”, features the ancient art of Cherokee mask making in a modern realm and will inform visitors of this art form still practiced by some artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
“Unto These Hills” outdoor drama cancelled for 2020 season
The Cherokee Historical Association released the following statement on the afternoon of Monday, May 18 regarding the 2020 production of “Unto These Hills” as well as the opening of the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
“Unto These Hills” outdoor drama cancelled for 2020 season
The Cherokee Historical Association released the following statement on the afternoon of Monday, May 18 regarding the 2020 production of “Unto These Hills” as well as the opening of the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm


















