NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
NAFOA issues financial analysis of impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on tribal nations
Alongside other National Tribal Organizations, NAFOA is analyzing the provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill and their potential impacts on Tribal Nations. We are committed to providing you with a thorough assessment and advocating for the needs of Indian Country.
Forrest Parker selected to North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis
The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis will begin meeting soon, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be at the table. Forrest Parker, Qualla Enterprises, LLC general manager, has been selected to serve on the Advisory Council.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 2, 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.
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
COMMENTARY – Tribal Sovereignty: When exceptions jeopardize the rule
The way we count ourselves as Cherokee on the Qualla Boundary is a path to extinction.
COMMENTARY: Staying healthy during flu season
As we find ourselves in the heart of flu season, Cherokee Indian Hospital is seeing an increase in patients testing positive for respiratory illnesses, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). This surge serves as an important reminder to all of us to remain vigilant about protecting our health and the health of our community.
COMMENTARY: We should consider elections for more leading positions in the Tribe
We have struggled for several years in attempts to create a constitution “by the people for the people”. The most recent failed attempt was six years in the making.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee athletes win titles at SMC Championship
Several athletes on the Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track and field team won titles at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship (SMC) held at Andrews High School in Andrews, N.C. on the afternoon of Monday, April 24.
Atlanta Braves to host Second Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the second annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 24-25. The top 50 high school baseball players of Native American descent from around the country will participate in a pro-style workout on Saturday, June 24 and a showcase game on Sunday, June 25.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee travels to compete in Bulldog Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team traveled to Murphy High School to compete in the Bulldog Invitational on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 5.
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 June 21-24
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.
Park to host Women’s Work event
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual Women’s Work Event at the Mountain Farm Museum on Saturday, June 16 from 10am – 4pm.
Trooper Shawn Blanton Remembrance Ride set for June 16
This year’s Trooper Shawn Blanton Remembrance Ride, a motorcycle ride to honor Trooper Blanton and remember his ultimate sacrifice made 10 years ago, is set for Saturday, June 16.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Original artist giving Sequoyah statue a facelift
Chisel in hand, a noted sculptor and artist climbed atop a piece that was dedicated in Cherokee nearly 30 years ago.
Chris Young to play at Harrah’s Cherokee
County music star Chris Young is set to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Friday, Aug. 30.
Cherokee Comicon prepares for opening weekend
Starting Friday, Aug. 23, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will be hosting its first Cherokee Legends Comicon at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm