NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
2025 EBCI Election candidate bios
The Cherokee One Feather invited each candidate for tribal office in the 2025 EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) election to submit a bio as well as answer the following questions: 1. Why are you the best candidate for the seat that you are running for? 2. What will be your top priority if you win the seat?
Dinilawigi approves Principal Chief’s Day to be celebrated in conjunction with President’s Day
For the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the third Monday in February will be celebrated from now on as Principal Chief’s Day in conjunction with President’s Day. Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved Res. No. 486 unanimously during its regular session on Thursday, July 10, which made the designation.
EBCI Government Explained: Business Committee
The Business Committee of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has many varied functions as outlined throughout the Cherokee Code. Its duties and existence are covered in Cherokee Code Sec. 117-33.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 1st 9weeks grading period
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 1st 9weeks grading period
WCU Printmaking Class partners with KPEP on handmade books
Western Carolina University (WCU) Asst. Prof. Tatiana Potts has partnered with Kituwah Preservation Education Program (KPEP) Curriculum Developer Hartwell Francis and other Cherokee language learners in KPEP to produce several books illustrated and handmade by WCU students in her Introduction to Printmaking course.
Faith Long-Presley selected for prestigious SWAIA Native Fashion Week
Faith Long-Presley, an accomplished artist, designer, and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as a designer for the highly-anticipated SWAIA Native Fashion Week in May.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Onita Bush, always happy and sharing knowledge
Starting this week, I’m going to start a weekly column where I’ll highlight a person, group, or program that embodies the spirit of “The Good Stuff”, and I’m starting with Onita Bush who is always happy, always smiling, and always sharing knowledge.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: EBCI needs a constitution
Thank you for your excellent commentary about the Cherokee Constitution in last week’s One Feather. I moved to Cherokee in 1978 and, shortly thereafter, became involved with the writing of a constitution while working at Legal Services
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lumbee should follow the OFA process
There is already an established, evidence-based process for a group to become Federally recognized as a ‘tribe”.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee athletes win titles at SMC Championship
Several athletes on the Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track and field team won titles at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship (SMC) held at Andrews High School in Andrews, N.C. on the afternoon of Monday, April 24.
Atlanta Braves to host Second Annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves will host the second annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park, June 24-25. The top 50 high school baseball players of Native American descent from around the country will participate in a pro-style workout on Saturday, June 24 and a showcase game on Sunday, June 25.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee travels to compete in Bulldog Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team traveled to Murphy High School to compete in the Bulldog Invitational on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 5.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”
Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”, 82, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cherokee, N.C. on Sept. 3, 1942 to the late Quincy Adam Owl and Winne Mae Junaluskie Owl.
OBITUARY: Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson
Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson, 74, passed away Dec. 20, 2024 at Cherokee Indian Hospital surrounded by family and friends after an extended battle with Multiple Myeloma.
OBITUARY: Henrietta L. Sampson
Henrietta L. Sampson, also known by many as “Aunt Zette”, Beloved Cherokee Matriarch, passed away in her home in the presence of her loving daughters on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at the age of 70.
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
EBCI member realizes dream of being a published author
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle sat alone in the bleachers. She stared at her phone screen, squeaking basketball shoes acting as white noise in the background.
Qualla Creations opens new, art-based storefront
Qualla Creations, a business of the Cherokee Historical Association (CHA), opened its doors officially in downtown Cherokee on Friday, July 12.
Joy Harjo named Nation’s 23rd Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced on Wednesday, June 19 the appointment of Joy Harjo as the nation’s 23rd Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2019-2020.
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