NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
STAFF REPORT: 5th Annual News Summit and Law Reporting Fellowship Launch
On Friday, March 27, I attended the 5th Annual North Carolina News and Information Summit at McKimmon Conference and Training Center at North Carolina State University (NC State) and met with my mentor and cohort for the 2026 Law and Justice Reporting Fellowship I received officially on March 18.
Letter outlines EBCI tribal member’s rights to gather in Nantahala, Pisgah National Forests
A letter sent to Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks from a U.S. Forest Service official outlines the rights that members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have in traditional gathering in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest.
Firefighters continue to suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap Wildfire
Firefighters continue to actively suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Zachary Fischer wins $324,135 in WSOP Poker Tournament at Harrah’s Cherokee
The world’s most prestigious brand in poker, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), awarded more than $7.5 million across 18 trophy events at its most recent Circuit stop at Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina.
Tribal member writes first book in a series on Angelina the Adventure Cat
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians currently residing in Webster, N.C., has started a book series – the first of which is “Angelina the Adventure Cat and the Garden of Whiskerwinks”. The book is based on Angelina, a Maine Coon, who is a service cat alerting Lyons of upcoming migraines.
One Feather reporter attends Indigenous Media Conference
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) held the 2025 Indigenous Media Conference (IMC) in Albuquerque, N.M. at the Isleta Pueblo Resort & Casino from Aug. 13-15
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Wilbur Paul serves community with a dedicated spirit and a smile
Wilbur Paul is a staple at events in Cherokee and has worked for decades serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) community.
COMMENTARY: Breast Cancer Awareness starts with access and compassion
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for me, it’s more than just a pink ribbon or a reminder to schedule your annual mammogram.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Division, Part 1 of 2
Division within the Christian community can be devastating.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee runners shine at home meet
Runners from Cherokee Middle School (CMS) and Cherokee High School (CHS) competed in a home meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 6 and placed well.
FOOTBALL: Braves stage major comeback to win Battle of the Nations
The Cherokee Braves (2-1) fell behind the Choctaw Central Warriors (0-2) by three scores early in the annual Battle of the Nations game, but they didn’t quit. Cherokee doubled Choctaw Central’s points (34-17) in the second half to win the game, held at Choctaw Central (Miss.) on Friday, Sept. 1, in dramatic fashion 41-37.
Jackson Chamber holds 32nd annual fundraising Chamber Challenge golf tournament
The 32nd annual Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament was held on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Carly Elizabeth Johnson
Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Her unexpected departure has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her most.
OBITUARY: Mystical Parker
Mystical Parker, 54, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away after a period of declining health on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Patricia Goodson Ensley
Patricia Goodson Ensley, 69, of Cherokee, N.C., went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. A native of Haywood County and longtime resident of Cherokee N.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles Junior and Alice Irene Goodson. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Ricky Dean Goodson.
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
Arts Council Grant sustains Cherokee metalwork tradition
Two Cherokee artists and their teacher are the recipients of a prestigious North Carolina Arts Council grant.
‘Dee’ Smith Tribute exhibit being hosted by Qualla Arts & Crafts
Qualla Arts and Crafts will be hosting an art exhibit open house on Friday, Feb. 28, to honor the late John Daniel ‘Dee’ Smith.
Luzene Hill, Cherokee artist, continues to push boundaries
Luzene Hill is an artist that likes to push boundaries.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm




















