NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Wilnoty convicted of decade-long child sex abuse
On July 31 in Cherokee Court, with Judge Barbara Parker presiding, Bernard David Wilnoty plead guilty to two counts of abusive sexual contact, one count of aggravated sexual abuse, with one count of assault on a child and solicitation dismissed with the plea.
Lumbee recognition included in House-approved FY26 NDAA bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3838 (National Defense Authorization Act FY26) last week which included a tack-on of the Lumbee Fairness Act which would grant full federal acknowledgement to the state-recognized group known as the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Grease” is the word: Cherokee Central is heading to Rydell High
The antics of Danny and Sandy and the T-Birds and Pink Ladies will be brought to life by students in an upcoming production by the Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) musical theatre program.
Tribal member named a Virginia A. Groot Craft Futures Resident
Ky’Lee Robison, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) with Mvskoke heritage, has been selected to receive the prestigious Virginia A. Groot Residency at the Center for Craft.
Sharing her culture: Scarlett ᎩᎦᎨ Guy to run for Miss Indian World
Scarlett ᎩᎦᎨ Guy will join 21 other Native American women in vying for the 2025-26 Miss Indian World (MIW) title later this week. Guy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) who served as the 2023-24 Miss Cherokee, will compete at the pageant being held April 24-26, 2025 in conjunction with the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (GON) in Albuquerque, N.M.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Bo Lossiah has endless energy and positivity towards Cherokee language
Bo Lossiah is working every day to further the Cherokee language and encourages its use, and he approaches it all with a boundless energy and positivity.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Appointing your days
Psalms 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.”
LETTER: Reflections on Memorial Day
I was privileged to attend our Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26. It was beautifully done and overwhelming in its significance.
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 George Standingdeer
Robert George Standingdeer, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Mission Hospital, after an extended illness. He is the son of the late Joe and Beatrice Standingdeer and his foster Father, Ray Kinsland. He is also preceded by his brother, Bill.
OBITUARY: Warren Wesley Wilnoty
Warren Wesley Wilnoty, age 78, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Graysville, Tenn. on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
OBITUARY: Alma Panther Johns
Alma Panther Johns, 84, of the Big Cove Community, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 8, 2025. A native of Cherokee she was the daughter of the late Samuel Panther and Emaline Sequoyah.
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
Spirit Animal looks to bring new flavor to Cherokee music scene
Spirit Animal, an indie-pop band from Brooklyn, New York will be playing in Cherokee on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center.
Brian Clowdus looks to bring a new Halloween tradition with Sleepy Hollow
The Sleepy Hollow Experience is coming to Cherokee starting this Thursday, Oct. 17.
Robert Mirabal to perform at WCU Bardo Arts Center
The Western Carolina University Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present, The River, on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. This piece is a dynamic collaboration between ETHEL, acclaimed adventurous string quartet and Robert Mirabal, Native American musician, instrument builder, and three-time GRAMMY® Award winner.
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