NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Feb. 5)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Asst. Editor CHEROKEE, N.C. – 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...
Sleight and Roland child abuse cases schedule update
In August 2024, Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, then 78, who was employed as Santa at Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo in Cherokee, was arrested by Cherokee Indian Police Department on 13 child abuse charges including two counts of aggravated sexual abuse; two counts of sexual abuse; two counts of abusive sexual contact; three counts of offensive touching; two counts of contributing to the delinquency, undiscipline, neglect, or abuse of minors; and two counts of child abuse in the first degree.
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“I need to go and do my part”: Tribal elder’s memory honored with Congressional Record
The life and military service of the late Fred B. Lunsford, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who was a World War II veteran and a Baptist minister, was honored during a ceremony at the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Wednesday, July 2.
Cherokee Senior Citizens participate in National Elder Abuse Awareness Walk
The Cherokee Senior Citizens Program, in collaboration with community members, participated in a nationwide Elder Abuse Awareness Walk recently, joining thousands across the country to bring attention to a serious and often overlooked issue: the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
EBCI Tribal Option promotes healthy vision this July
July is recognized as Healthy Vision Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: But wait, there’s more.
I question the transparency of government a bunch. Questioning the government isn’t always the healthiest thing for a career in tribal government.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Compelling devotion, Part 2 of 2
Let’s look at Luke 14:16-23: “Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’
COMMENTARY: Kinship, not governments, defines the Cherokee People
For centuries, the Cherokee people were united not by a single central government but by kinship, clans, and shared values. Our ancestors built their lives on responsibility to one another, not bureaucracy. Towns governed themselves. What held us together was culture, language, and family bonds. Governments came later.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Last runner standing: Cherokee couple tackles ultra running race
For one Cherokee couple, challenging themselves in their running is not only a passion, it’s a way of life. Kallup McCoy II and Katelynn Ledford-McCoy, husband and wife and both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, competed recently in the Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra Last Runner Standing event in Glenmont, Ohio.
ON THE SIDELINES: Let’s all be more positive towards officials this season
High School sports starts the week of Aug. 14, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the sidelines. Something I’m not looking forward to is having to hear all of the cussing, screaming, and threats coming from the “fans” directed at the sports officials.
New Kituwah, Cherokee Central sign MOU on middle school sports
The Superintendent of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) and the Superintendent of New Kituwah Academy (NKA) entered a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday, Aug. 3 which will allow students of New Kituwah Academy to participate in middle school sports.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Maryann Lukowicz
Maryann Lukowicz, 79, passed away at Harris Regional Hospital after an extended illness on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
OBITUARY: Lacy Caldwell-Arch
Lacy Caldwell-Arch, age 41, of Waynesville, N.C., passed away on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
OBITUARY: Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee
Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee, 65, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Jean Wahnetah Bernhisel.
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
“Sleepy Hollow” hits the mark for year one
“The Sleepy Hollow Experience” capped off a successful debut year in Cherokee on Sunday, Nov. 3 after running 24 shows.
Indie horror film looks to put North Carolina back on the map
Tommy dos Santos is a serial killer of only clowns. He is flipping the classic trope of horror on its head, and he is also an elaborate coping mechanism.
Tribal member’s work to be featured at Raleigh event
Xavier Davis is an artist, but he is also a storyteller through his artwork.
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