NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Vending machines are having a positive impact on public health
Just over two years ago, vending machines were installed around tribal lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in an effort to improve access to health and wellness supplies.
Annual Council resolution to reaffirm Resolution 309 (2022) dies on the floor
On the morning of Thursday, Oct. 30, Res. 29 (2025), submitted by Joseph Owle from Wayohi (Wolftown), died on the floor during Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Annual Council. The resolution would have reaffirmed Res. 309 (2022), which passed.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Oct. 28)
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
CHA awarded $698K grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation for expansion and upgrades
Cherokee Historical Association (CHA) has announced the receipt of a grant totaling $698,000 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. This substantial funding will empower CHA to significantly expand its programming, finalize a comprehensive master plan, and implement crucial upgrades to its historic venues.
CHS expands Cultural Arts Programming
Beginning August 2025, CHS (Cherokee High School) Cultural Arts students will begin learning how to make ribbon skirts. This exciting addition builds on their current instruction in Cherokee baskets, pottery, finger weaving, and beadwork. The Cultural Arts class, taught by Lori Reed, is offered to all Cherokee High School students as an elective.
Running for hope: McCoy doing transcontinental run
McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has been doing a Transcontinental Run from San Diego, Calif. to Wilmington, N.C. to raise money for RezHOPE Recovery & Consulting Services and to raise awareness for recovery from drug addiction and mental health challenges.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Talking Trees Trout Derby is a great catch for families
Every year, over a thousand children, with parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles in tow, fill the Oconaluftee Island Park on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.) for the annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
COMMENTARY: Cherokee Women showed out in the Primary
On the evening of July 17, congratulatory remarks erupted across Facebook as several women running for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tallied impressive numbers in the unofficial results of the Primary Election.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: What motivates you? Part 2 of 2
Since we were very young, the world has drilled these attitudes into our heads.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
JV FOOTBALL: Braves top Avery Co. on opening night
The Cherokee JV Braves (1-0) started their 2023 campaign out on a high note with a 26-8 victory over the visiting Avery Co. Vikings (0-1) at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 17.
Last runner standing: Cherokee couple tackles ultra running race
For one Cherokee couple, challenging themselves in their running is not only a passion, it’s a way of life. Kallup McCoy II and Katelynn Ledford-McCoy, husband and wife and both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, competed recently in the Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra Last Runner Standing event in Glenmont, Ohio.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Robert Cooper
Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
OBITUARY: Billy Ray Jones
Billy Ray Jones, 89, of Sylva, North Carolina was called home on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born in Sylva, N.C., on March 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Maudie Wykle and Aude Jones. He was the third oldest of nine brothers.
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
Indie horror film looks to put North Carolina back on the map
Tommy dos Santos is a serial killer of only clowns. He is flipping the classic trope of horror on its head, and he is also an elaborate coping mechanism.
Tribal member’s work to be featured at Raleigh event
Xavier Davis is an artist, but he is also a storyteller through his artwork.
REVIEW: Sleepy Hollow Experience is ‘immersive and entertaining’
By PHILENIA WALKINGSTICK ONE FEATHER STAFF When the leaves change color so does the atmosphere of the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee. This year, the Cherokee Historical Association is working with director and producer Brian Clowdus to bring the Sleepy...
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm