NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Feb. 24)
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.
Anna Ferguson wants to bring a Cherokee voice to Raleigh
Anna Ferguson wants to bring a Cherokee voice to Raleigh. She is seeking the District 119 seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Cochran hearing postponed, two more local sheriffs face removal
The pretrial hearing set for Feb. 17 in Cherokee Tribal Court for the sexual abuse case against former Swain Co. Sheriff Curtis Cochran was postponed to June 8. Graham Co. Sheriff Brad Hoxit faces removal due to alleged abuse of power for personal gain, and former Cherokee Co. Sheriff Dustin Smith resigned effective Feb. 6 due to allegations of willful and habitual negligence, both levied by District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch.
Qualla Open Air Indian Art Market
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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: 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.
COMMENTARY: The Matriarch Era
Following the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) primary, I wrote a commentary about the women candidates showing up, showing out, and providing a new hope for the general election.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Compelling devotion, Part 1 of 2
We are called to be courageous Christians. Yes, meek and humble are traits we should aspire to, but forthright, faithful, righteous, and brave as soldiers for Christ are also what Christians should be in the face of evil.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
RUNNING: Lossiah signs with Haskell Indian Nations Univ.
Another member of the highly-decorated men’s cross country team at Cherokee High School (CHS) is going to run at the next level. Anthony Lossiah, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, signed a letter of intent to run collegiately for Haskell Indian Nations University during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Monday, May 8. He will run cross country and track.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts SMC Championships
Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted the 2023 Smoky Mountain Conference track and field championships on the windy afternoon of Wednesday, May 3.
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
2nd Annual Joey Parker Memorial Ride
Just two short years ago, Joey Parker, an EBCI tribal member, left a multitude of friends in Cherokee and throughout the Southeast on his final journey.
Museum to offer Stamped Pottery Workshop
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer a two-day workshop on making stamped pottery on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21.
Upcoming Branch Out events scheduled in Park
Those interested in learning more about the country’s most visited national park are encouraged to join any of these programs set within Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Robert Mirabal to perform at WCU Bardo Arts Center
The Western Carolina University Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present, The River, on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. This piece is a dynamic collaboration between ETHEL, acclaimed adventurous string quartet and Robert Mirabal, Native American musician, instrument builder, and three-time GRAMMY® Award winner.
Original artist giving Sequoyah statue a facelift
Chisel in hand, a noted sculptor and artist climbed atop a piece that was dedicated in Cherokee nearly 30 years ago.
Chris Young to play at Harrah’s Cherokee
County music star Chris Young is set to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Friday, Aug. 30.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm