NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (March 4)
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.
“It is a part of us”: Noquisiyi Mound deed signing ceremony held
Elaine Eisenbraun, executive director of the Noquisiyi Initiative, began the celebration with a short narrative of the long road to transferring the Noquisiyi Mound back into the hands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Groundbreaking held for The Boundary Bingo & Slots
The bingo operation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, and it never reopened. Now, a new facility is being constructed on Tsali Blvd. on a piece of property that has previously been a movie theater and was most recently a home furnishing store.
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Previously unseen photo of Charles George donated to Post
A new photo of PFC Charles George, Medal of Honor recipient, has surfaced. The photo, which shows PFC George with his unit during the Korean War, was donated to the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 for its museum during a meeting at Post Headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Monday, Aug. 18.
“Moving Forward, Standing Strong”: EBCI to host ATALM Conference in October
Over 1,500 people working in the field of tribal archives, libraries, and museums will convene in Cherokee in two months for a conference with the slogan of “Moving Forward, Standing Strong”. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is set to host the annual conference of the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, N.C. on Oct. 7-9.
“A Sacred Thread” showcases the Snowbird Community’s language, culture, and land back efforts
A Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) North Carolina documentary about Cherokee language and cultural revitalization in Tutiyi (Snowbird) titled “A Sacred Thread,” premiered on July 31.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Family appreciative of events in Cherokee
Our family comes to visit several times a year – mostly centered around events you plan.
COMMENTARY: When a man really cares
Jordan Oocumma came to Noquisi Initiative in 2024 wanting to rekindle a broad respect for Noquisiyi.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Discipline
God made us; He knows us better than we know ourselves. The wisdom of God far outweighs the fantasies of those who think you can raise a child to respect their parents and ultimately the authority of God without the knowledge of punishment and the results of one’s actions.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
2023 Qualla Country Fish Tournament results
The Qualla Country Fish Tournament was held in Cherokee, N.C. on Aug. 26-27. A total of 72 anglers turned in tags winning money prizes including Billy Hunnicutt, of Clover, S.C., who turned in a green tag and won the grand prize of $5,000.
FOOTBALL: Braves quintuple offensive output of Rosman in big home win
The Cherokee Braves (3-1) had more than five times the offensive output of Rosman (487 yards to 97) as they went on to a big win in their Smoky Mountain Conference opener. Cherokee won 43-6 over the Tigers in the game played on the evening of Friday, Sept. 8 at Ray Kinsland Stadium.
JV FOOTBALL: Braves win big at home over Andrews
The Cherokee JV Braves (3-1) had a big night as they won 46-14 over the visiting Andrews JV Wildcats (1-3) at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the late summer evening of Thursday, Sept. 7.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Charles “Charlie” William Bigwitch (Tsali)
Charles “Charlie” William Bigwitch (Tsali), 67, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Fred and Eva Bigwitch.
OBITUARY: Nicholas Donald Briggs III
Nicholas Donald Briggs III, 81 of Whittier, N.C., passed away to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
OBITUARY: Thomas Keith Parker
Thomas Keith Parker, “Tom” as he was better known, age 81, of the Wolftown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, after an extended illness.
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
Tribal member to model in New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week will tentatively be held in September, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be one of the models participating.
An abbreviated WCU Spring Literary Festival moves online
Western Carolina University’s annual Spring Literary Festival has gone electric.
Peone named SWAIA’s executive director, first Native woman in history to hold position
After a nationwide search, SWAIA’s (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) Board of Directors has announced the selection of Kim Peone as its new executive director.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm