NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi approves legislation giving green light to new Bingo operation
The old Cherokee Tribal Bingo closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, and it was never re-opened. A new Bingo operation is in the works, and Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) passed legislation during its regular session on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 that gives the green light for it to become reality.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) candidate questionnaire (Question #1)
The Cherokee One Feather issued four questions to candidates for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council). Over the next four weeks, candidate responses will be published.
Man from Cherokee among four indicted under Operation Take Back America
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced on Wednesday, Aug. 6 that a number of individuals are facing federal firearms and immigration charges under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime, repel the invasion of illegal immigration and achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI Community Clubs win WNC Honors
Several Community Clubs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians won in categories at the recent WNC Honors Awards, a program of WNC Communities. The Wolftown Community Club won the Impact Award.
Women’s History Month: Maker of War
Lambert encourages women of all ages and skill levels to participate and gears the workout toward their specific needs—whether that be to match their skill level or nurse certain injuries. Lambert hopes that the women who attend her class leave feeling empowered and strong.
Sneed’s art shown in exhibit at Hickory Museum of Art
Lenoir-Rhyne University students participated in an exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art recently entitled “The Art of Profession” which featured students in the Advanced Studio Practices, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was one of those featured. Tishara Sneed, an EBCI tribal member who also has Dine’ (Navajo) heritage, displayed three ceramic masks for the exhibit.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: A tribal radio station would improve the safety of our community
Why don’t we have a tribal radio station? AM and FM radio are ultimately portable. Access to this type of one-way communication can be had with a second-hand, two-dollar transistor radio from the thrift store (the two AA batteries needed to power a radio cost more than the radio itself).
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call – Part One
Before and since I met my wife, I was a motorcycle enthusiast for fifty-some years. Back then, that is what you would have called me unless you saw me riding on the street with my colors, and then you would probably call me a biker.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: I miss church
I know the arguments and understand the desire to attract those ‘in the world’ to attend church with entertainment. But have we become so much like the world that it is hard to tell the difference? Have we lost our salt? Is our light like every other street light shining without brightness?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Chase Sneed selected as new Cherokee Central Schools athletic director
Chase Sneed, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as the new athletic director at Cherokee Central Schools.
FISHING: Nearly 600 anglers compete in Memorial Day Tournament
A total of 583 anglers registered for the 2023 Memorial Day Fishing Tournament in Cherokee, N.C. over Memorial Day weekend. In all, 63 anglers turned in 104 tags for a total cash payout of $4,650.
TRACK & FIELD: Swimmer wins 800M state championship as SMC athletes rack up titles
Dvdaya Swimmer, a freshman member of the Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team, won the women’s 800M (2:19.71) at the NCHSAA (North Carolina High School Athletic Association) 1A State Championship held at the N.C. A&T Irwin Belk Track in Greensboro, N.C. on Friday, May 19. She also took second place in the women’s 1600M with a time of 5:09.12.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Julie Anne Smith
Julie Anne Smith, born on Oct. 21, 1967, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, Julie was a lifelong resident of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Johnny Wayne Browning
Johnny Wayne Browning, 68, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 16, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 1, 1956, to the late John and Bida Silver Browning.
OBITUARY: Timothy Isaiah McKinnell
Timothy Isaiah McKinnell, 18, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., joined Heaven’s Orchestra on Monday, March 10, 2025. Timothy was born June 16, 2006, to Kansas “Kandee” Parker of Cherokee, N.C. and Robert McKinnell.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for June 15-17
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for June 7-10
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for June 1-3
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.
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
















