NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI legislative updates (May 8)
The One Feather will now provide regular legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The focus will be on ordinances that change Cherokee Code, but sometimes resolutions of importance to the operation of the tribal government will also be included. The legislation is shown in the order in which they were introduced following the new ones for the week.
Resolution for EBCI to support Ela Dam removal advocacy passes
The Elohi Dinigatiyi (Earth Keepers) and the North American Indian Women’s Association (NAIWA) Daughters submitted a resolution that was passed unanimously on the afternoon of Thursday, May 7 by Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) to “support the removal of Ela dam and the restoration of Longperson”.
Dinilawigi approves indefinite moratorium on data centers
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) has approved a moratorium on data centers within the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). They passed Ord. No. 158 (2026) during the regular Dinilawigi session on Thursday, May 7 by a vote of 11-0 with Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee County) Rep. Michael Smoker being absent.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Talehvga!”: Walelu’s Daryl Martin
Daryl Martin, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Walelu (Hummingbirds) Anetso (Stickball) team. Martin is the supply manager for Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.
A player’s responsibility: Wayohi’s Cory Junaluska
Cory Junaluska, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) for the Wayohi (Wolftown) Anetso (Stickball) team.
A commitment to culture: Kolanvyi’s Chris Hornbuckle
Chris Hornbuckle, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is an Anetsovsgi (Ball player) from the Kolanvyi (Big Cove) Anetso (Stickball) team. Hornbuckle works for Qualla Housing as a carpenter/crew leader.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: I don’t know why we go to extremes
The federal government has struggled in its roles of negotiation and reparation for the damage done in previous generations through war and failed assimilation strategies.
COMMENTARY: What would be fair?
Let me start by saying how much I appreciate the testimony of Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks at the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs hearing concerning Senator Tillis’ bill S.107. You won’t see me doing that much. My personal ethics are that I keep my personal opinions out of the public area when it comes to our politicians, because I feel a moral obligation to be objective in my coverage of our leadership.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WNC citizen concerned about encroachment on press freedom
I write as a concerned citizen of western North Carolina to draw attention to the growing encroachment on press freedom under the current administration, and the implications this has for our local democracy.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Braves quintuple offensive output of Rosman in big home win
The Cherokee Braves (3-1) had more than five times the offensive output of Rosman (487 yards to 97) as they went on to a big win in their Smoky Mountain Conference opener. Cherokee won 43-6 over the Tigers in the game played on the evening of Friday, Sept. 8 at Ray Kinsland Stadium.
JV FOOTBALL: Braves win big at home over Andrews
The Cherokee JV Braves (3-1) had a big night as they won 46-14 over the visiting Andrews JV Wildcats (1-3) at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the late summer evening of Thursday, Sept. 7.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
Chad “Mongo” Donavon Burton
Chad “Mongo” Donavon Burton, 50, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 19,2025.
OBITUARY: Alexander Joseph Estep
Alexander Joseph Estep, 30, of Troy, Ill., went to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. He died unexpectedly at his home in Whittier, N.C.
OBITUARY: Harland “Buck” Squirrell
Harland “Buck” Squirrell, 61, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C., after a period of declining health.
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
‘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.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm