NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 12)
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.
National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration work towards expedited repair of US441/Newfound Gap Road
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the Aug. 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be complete in early October.
Dinilawigi approves legislation giving green light to new Bingo operation
The old Cherokee Tribal Bingo closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, and it was never re-opened. A new Bingo operation is in the works, and Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) passed legislation during its regular session on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 that gives the green light for it to become reality.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Women’s History Month: Maker of War
Lambert encourages women of all ages and skill levels to participate and gears the workout toward their specific needs—whether that be to match their skill level or nurse certain injuries. Lambert hopes that the women who attend her class leave feeling empowered and strong.
Sneed’s art shown in exhibit at Hickory Museum of Art
Lenoir-Rhyne University students participated in an exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art recently entitled “The Art of Profession” which featured students in the Advanced Studio Practices, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was one of those featured. Tishara Sneed, an EBCI tribal member who also has Dine’ (Navajo) heritage, displayed three ceramic masks for the exhibit.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority receives North Carolina Award for Excellence – Advanced Level
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) was honored with the North Carolina Award for Excellence – Advanced Level from North Carolina State University’s Industry Expansion Solutions during a special presentation on Friday, Jan. 31, at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: A tribal radio station would improve the safety of our community
Why don’t we have a tribal radio station? AM and FM radio are ultimately portable. Access to this type of one-way communication can be had with a second-hand, two-dollar transistor radio from the thrift store (the two AA batteries needed to power a radio cost more than the radio itself).
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call – Part One
Before and since I met my wife, I was a motorcycle enthusiast for fifty-some years. Back then, that is what you would have called me unless you saw me riding on the street with my colors, and then you would probably call me a biker.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: I miss church
I know the arguments and understand the desire to attract those ‘in the world’ to attend church with entertainment. But have we become so much like the world that it is hard to tell the difference? Have we lost our salt? Is our light like every other street light shining without brightness?
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Swimmer wins 800M state championship as SMC athletes rack up titles
Dvdaya Swimmer, a freshman member of the Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team, won the women’s 800M (2:19.71) at the NCHSAA (North Carolina High School Athletic Association) 1A State Championship held at the N.C. A&T Irwin Belk Track in Greensboro, N.C. on Friday, May 19. She also took second place in the women’s 1600M with a time of 5:09.12.
SOCCER: Lady Braves make history with first playoff win
The Cherokee High School (CHS) women’s varsity soccer team (seeded #25) traveled to Queen’s Grant (seeded #8) for the first round of the NCHSAA 1A State Playoffs on Monday, May 15 and came away with an historic victory.
FOOTBALL: Otter signs to play at Mars Hill University
Xavier Otter, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), signed a letter of intent, during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Wednesday, May 10, to play football at Mars Hill University.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Julie Anne Smith
Julie Anne Smith, born on Oct. 21, 1967, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, Julie was a lifelong resident of Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Johnny Wayne Browning
Johnny Wayne Browning, 68, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 16, 2025, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 1, 1956, to the late John and Bida Silver Browning.
OBITUARY: Timothy Isaiah McKinnell
Timothy Isaiah McKinnell, 18, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., joined Heaven’s Orchestra on Monday, March 10, 2025. Timothy was born June 16, 2006, to Kansas “Kandee” Parker of Cherokee, N.C. and Robert McKinnell.
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
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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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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