NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cucumber indicted for Murder in Indian Country
On October 7, a grand jury in Asheville returned a criminal indictment charging Derrick Alan Cucumber, 45, of Cherokee, N.C., with first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for killing Mario Sanchez Nino, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Noble warriors: Veteran’s Day event held in Cherokee
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces were honored during a Veteran’s Day ceremony at the headquarters of the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 in Cherokee, N.C.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Unto These Hills” set to celebrate its diamond anniversary
“Unto These Hills”, the outdoor drama that tells the story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is set to celebrate its diamond anniversary (75 years) this year.
Smokies Life selects Jim and Leslie Costa as 2025 Steve Kemp Writers in Residence
Smokies Life has announced Jim and Leslie Costa as the recipients of its 2025 Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency. During their residency, the North Carolina-based couple plans to continue work already underway to write and illustrate a forthcoming field guide to the Smokies insects to be published by Smokies Life.
CIHA names 2025 Hayes Award and Employee of the Year recipients
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the recipients of its highest employee honors for 2025: Jason Sain, winner of the Hayes Award for Quality and Safety, and Rhiannon Spicer, named Employee of the Year.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the light (Part 2 of 2)
Friends… Isn’t it great when you know you have a faithful friend?
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Be the Light, Part 1 of 2
Many people do not have the vision to see the power of God in themselves. They lack confidence in themselves, which is a lack of faith in God who lives within them.
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).
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s all be more positive towards officials this season
High School sports starts the week of Aug. 14, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the sidelines. Something I’m not looking forward to is having to hear all of the cussing, screaming, and threats coming from the “fans” directed at the sports officials.
New Kituwah, Cherokee Central sign MOU on middle school sports
The Superintendent of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) and the Superintendent of New Kituwah Academy (NKA) entered a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, Aug. 3 which will allow students of New Kituwah Academy to participate in middle school sports.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Nancy Chiltoskie
Nancy Chiltoskie, youngest daughter of Watty and Tennie Chiltoskie, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
OBITUARY: James Edwards Mills
Fisherman, husband, son, father, grandfather, friend, U.S. Public Health Service Captain, and founder of “Raven Fork Rods” James Edwards Mills, 84, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025 after a brief and sharp bout with cancer.
OBITUARY: Hoyt Lunsford
Hoyt Lunsford, age 89, of Marble, left behind his physical body on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
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
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...
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.
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