NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI Office of Internal Audit and Ethics concludes investigation of Qualla Enterprises, LLC. Board
On June 3, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Office of Internal Audit and Ethics (OIAE) concluded their investigation of the Qualla Enterprises, LLC. Board of Managers in accordance with Res. 181 (2026)
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 8)
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.
Dinilawigi tables resolution authorizing impeachment referendum election
On the morning of Thursday, June 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tabled Res. No. 221 (2026) that would authorize a referendum election to answer the following question: Should Section 17 of the Charter and Governing Document be amended to clarify that a person who has been impeached and removed from office is ineligible for office in the future?
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Alea Martens will make modeling debut at Kananesgi
The Kananesgi Fashion Show will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Alea Martens, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), will make her modeling debut. She will model clothes by Mrs. Freida Saylor, an EBCI tribal member and designer.
Behind the designs: Alex Lane returns to the Kananesgi Fashion Show
Alexandria Lane is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the manager of visitor services for the Museum of the Cherokee People. Lane made her debut as a designer in the 2024 Kananesgi Fashion Show, and she will be returning this year with a new collection.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute awarded grants from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI), a department of the Cherokee Boys Club, has announced that it has received two grant awards from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) to support its culturally based leadership programs for youth and adults.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Janell Rattler always puts Cherokee elders first
If elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are involved, Janell Rattler will not be far behind – assisting wherever and however she can. She is the Senior Games coordinator in the Cherokee Recreation Program and has made it her life’s work to make sure that Cherokee elders have the opportunity to be active and healthy.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Christmas Story
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s (Mary’s cousin) pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
COMMENTARY: 2025
Looking back on this year’s newspaper, I am so proud of the amazing team that delivers Qualla Boundary news to you. While the headline might capture the focus of the week each week for our community, that is only the tip of what those editions brought to us in community news over the year.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves dominate at Hiwassee Dam meet
The Cherokee Middle School Lady Braves cross country team remained undefeated on the season with a large win at the Hiwassee Dam Eagles Meet on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
RUNNING: Tribal member completes 100-mile race
When Katelynn Ledford-McCoy finished The Georgia Jewel 100-Miler trail race recently, she wasn’t concerned with her time nor place in the race. She was concerned with finishing work that was started last year.
CROSS COUNTRY: Middle School Lady Braves remain unbeaten on season
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves took first place at the Bulldog XC Meet, hosted by Murphy High School, on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 23, and remained unbeaten on the season.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Una Lea “Teetsie” Sampson
Una Lea “Teetsie” Sampson, 62, went to her heavenly home where she was greeted by loved ones on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 at Mission Hospital.
OBITUARY: Thomas Eugene Pheasant Jr.
Thomas Eugene Pheasant Jr., 23, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: James Richard Walkingstick
James Richard Walkingstick, also known as Jamie, 45, of Cherokee, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., after an extended illness.
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
99th Santa Fe Indian Market postponed until 2021
The 99th Santa Fe Indian Market, originally scheduled for Aug. 15-16, will be postponed until 2021, and the Centennial Celebration will be moved to 2022.
WCU offering free virtual art experiences
Bardo Arts Center is excited to announce a new webpage dedicated to virtual opportunities, arts.wcu.edu/virtual. This page houses information regarding all the various online experiences and events being hosted by the WCU Bardo Arts Center and the Belcher...
Arts Council Grant sustains Cherokee metalwork tradition
Two Cherokee artists and their teacher are the recipients of a prestigious North Carolina Arts Council grant.
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