NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Man sentenced to 21 years in prison on drug and gun charges
Grey Alan Hester, 50, of Candler, N.C. was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to 21 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority celebrates opening of new Cherokee County Clinic
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), alongside Tribal leadership, community members, and project partners, celebrated the opening of the new Cherokee County Clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Dec. 10)
The One Feather will now provide regular legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Dancing into Legacy: The Bottchenbaughs
Bernice and Rick Bottchenbaugh, elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove) and champion traditional powwow dancers, have been dancing with their children since the early eighties.
Cherokee Youth Center honors its heart and soul: Staff, Board, and Tribal Government
In a recent heartfelt ceremony filled with gratitude and celebration, the Cherokee Youth Center honored its Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and the steadfast support of the Tribal government—three pillars that continue to uphold its mission of serving Cherokee youth.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation expands efforts to enhance tourism economy
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Dogwood Health Trust to support regional strategies to advance tourism and related economic development.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: The shadows are coming back
Nashoba Tushka jaunted into the end zone during a game at Ray Kinsland Memorial Stadium on Thursday evening. As I looked at the photo during a break and saw the silhouettes of people past the end zone – people covered in shadows, long shadows, I knew that autumn was on the way. The shadows are coming back.
COMMENTARY: How a pronoun may impact tribal elections
When we started discussing the possibility of having debates among the candidates, one of our stated goals was to turn down the volume of the rhetoric and have the candidates’ voices heard. I think we have done a fair job of doing that over the past decade and a half of tribal elections.
COMMENTARY: Look for the signs of weakness
It just so happens that we are in a season of election of our tribal leadership. And this is not a commentary on whether I think anyone, or any group, is either weak or strong in their leadership mindset.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Braves dominate both sides of the ball at Cosby
The Cherokee Braves (1-1) dominated the stat line as they traveled to the Cosby (Tenn.) Eagles (1-1) on the incredibly warm, muggy evening of Friday, Aug. 25. Cherokee put up 302 yards of offense while holding the Eagles to 53 as they got their first win of the young season 47-6.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee competes in Hayesville High Meet
Following are results, per nc.milesplit, of a meet hosted by Hayesville High School in Hayesville, N.C. on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Frieda Marlene Brown
Frieda Marlene Brown, born Jan. 13, 1939, in Graham County, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. A lifelong resident of the Snowbird Community, Frieda was known for her unwavering devotion to her family and faith. She never failed to make an entrance – always fashionably late, and always with a presence that filled the room.
OBITUARY: Michael Dean Owle “Deano”
It is with a mix of sadness and celebration that we announce the passing of Michael Dean Owle “Deano”, who left this world and departed into eternity, on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the age of 58 after an extensive battle with cancer.
OBITUARY – Delores Amelia Cucumber
Delores Amelia Cucumber, age 52, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital.
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
Charlie Daniels to play Harrah’s Cherokee
From his Dove Award winning gospel albums to his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits
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.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm