NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Catawba Nation becomes North Carolina’s ninth state-recognized tribe
The Catawba Nation, a federally recognized tribe based in Rock Hill, S.C., has become the ninth state-recognized tribe in the State of North Carolina. The approval came from the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs on Friday, June 5.
This week in Native News
This week in Native News
“Unified Minds Bring Harmony”: EBCI hosts National NAIWA Conference
Women from around Indian Country gathered at the recent 54th Annual NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association) Conference to share ideas and culture.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BIA conducts prescribed fires for long-term benefits
On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the Eastern Cherokee Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) ignited a prescribed fire in the Lickstone Ridge area. The next burn will be in the Dobson Ridge area.
“Saving the Voices”: Recording Cherokee speakers for the future
Darrell McCoy, Michael Fields, and Michael Cooksey from the Cherokee Nation Language Department have been exploring the Qualla Boundary during the first week of November, recording interviews with Cherokee speakers from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Cherokee Central Schools and community partners present “Community Book Gardens” at National Conference
Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) and community partners presented “Community Book Gardens: Growing Language and Literacy in Cherokee Nation” at the 2025 National Center for Families Learning Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, Nov. 3.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Happy with Fitness class experience
I want to share my experience with our community in hopes that more of them will take advantage of what I feel is a great opportunity. There is a fitness class being offered at the Fitness Center through the Physical Therapy Department of the Cherokee Indian Hospital...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Museum executive director reflects, looks to the future
In 2021 I was blessed to be selected as the new director of our Museum, and reflecting now, I am so proud of the work the Museum has accomplished. The foundation had been set before my arrival, though, to allow the Museum to begin to focus on our community more fully, and to tell more stories about who we are as Cherokee people today.
December report from Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper
This is my Council Report for the month of December. November was a very busy month, and I hope each of you enjoyed a restful holiday season with family and friends. As always, my report follows the standard format below.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL: Lady Braves continue winning streak in historic season
On Thursday, Sept. 28, the Varsity Lady Braves defeated the Andrews Lady Wildcats in three sets in a dominating home match in Charles George Memorial Arena.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Byron Jase Locust
Byron Jase Locust, 26, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of James William Locust Jr. and Elisha Wildcatt Locust of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Mary R. Smith
Mary R. Smith, 89, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at Tsali Care Center in Cherokee, surrounded by her loving family.
OBITUARY: Josephine Yde Bradley (Jo)
Josephine Yde Bradley (Jo), beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 surrounded by her family at the age of 87.
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
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.
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