NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Hicks elected treasurer of the Indian Gaming Association
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was elected on Wednesday, April 1 as treasurer of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA).
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (March 31)
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.
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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
Tafoya receives prestigious art award
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya has been named one of 10 recipients of the LIFT – Early Career Support for Native Artist Award given by the Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF). Tafoya, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with Santa Clara Pueblo heritage, is a multi-medium visual artist who has a love of basketry.
Previously unseen photo of Charles George donated to Post
A new photo of PFC Charles George, Medal of Honor recipient, has surfaced. The photo, which shows PFC George with his unit during the Korean War, was donated to the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 for its museum during a meeting at Post Headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Monday, Aug. 18.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Family appreciative of events in Cherokee
Our family comes to visit several times a year – mostly centered around events you plan.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
CROSS COUNTRY: Lady Braves teams run well at Jaguar Jungle Run
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) and Cherokee High School (CHS) Lady Braves cross country teams fared well at the Tri-County Early College Jaguar Jungle Run on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 30.
Smoky Mountain Youth Football results – Saturday, Aug. 26
Smoky Mountain Youth Football results – Saturday, Aug. 26
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY: Mary Lynn Johnson
Mary Lynn Johnson, 67, Whittier, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Cecil and Bernita Johnson.
HAPPENINGS
Wolftown Representative to host Hemp Public Forum
I have been working with a group out of Canada called Wahupta Ventures. They are a corporation in Canada. They have offices located in Winnipeg Manitoba, Burnaby British Columbia, and Las Vegas, Nev.
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival set for June 7-9
Adams Bluegrass, LLC, has announced that the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival will be held at Happy Holiday RV Village and Campground at 1553 Wolfetown Road in Cherokee on June 7-9.
Upcoming Pow Wows for May 24-28
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
Luzene Hill, Cherokee artist, continues to push boundaries
Luzene Hill is an artist that likes to push boundaries.
Cherokee students presenting “Braves on Broadway”
The Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center will be filled with the sounds of Broadway on the evenings of Feb. 27-28.
Charlie Daniels to play Harrah’s Cherokee
From his Dove Award winning gospel albums to his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm




















