NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Swain Co. Sheriff Cochran arrested
Agents with the State Bureau of Investigation and police officers with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians arrested Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran, 72, on Friday, June 27.
Cherokee Preservation Foundation announces $3.3 million in 2025 Spring Grants
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation awarded 12 grants to partners in western North Carolina, totaling more than $3.3 million. The grants were awarded to projects advancing the Foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and neighboring communities.
Economic wellness discussed at the EBCI Town Hall Meeting
EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Taline Ugvwiyu (Vice Chief) Alan B. Ensley presided over a town hall meeting at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the Cherokee Central Schools campus in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Tuesday, June 24.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Tribal member selected to Knoxville Mayor’s Youth Council
The Mayor’s Youth Council of Knoxville, Tenn. is made up of 15 young people who have a voice in the decisions of the city. Jasmine Smith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a student at Knoxville Montessori, has been selected to serve in the 2024-25 Council.
Kananesgi holds 6th Annual Fashion Show
The 6th Annual Kananesgi Fashion Show, Art Show, and Art Market were held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The event included several Indigenous designers and vendors.
2024 Kananesgi Art Show winners
The 2024 Kananesgi Art Show was held on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The mystery and meaning of Bethlehem’s Star
Sometime around Thanksgiving many of us decorate a Christmas tree. We raise our real or fake tree in our living rooms, decorated with ornaments and lights, with our wrapped gifts gently placed underneath as we await Christmas morning.
EDITORIAL: N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs unfairly attacks EBCI
There is a lot of opposition to the way the Lumbee are going about seeking their recognition. It is incredibly unfair for the N.C. Commission on Indian Affairs to single out Ugvwiyuhi Hicks and the EBCI and give the tribe the moniker of defamers and troublemakers.
COMMENTARY: The best present is your presence
Make a point of visiting a rest home or nursing home during the holidays. I know that sounds like an admonition, but it isn’t entirely. It should be a reminder and an incentive for compassion during this season of giving.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts season-opening meet
Cherokee High School hosted seven other schools for its season-opening meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 8.
For Cherokee mom and daughter, sports are a family affair
For Tara Saunooke Alexander and her daughter, Katie Alexander, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, sports are a family affair. Tara, a standout basketball player at AC Reynolds and Clemson University, was recently inducted into the WNC Athletic Hall of Fame. Katie just finished four stellar years playing volleyball at Asheville Christian and received a national award.
ON THE SIDELINES: Cooperation is needed to solve charter school situation
For years, schools in the 1A division of NCHSAA (N.C. High School Athletic Association) have had to play against non-traditional schools (charter schools, prep, etc.) who are able to garner players from all over, not just their geographic area like other schools.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Bernard Kenneth Biddle Jr.
Bernard Kenneth Biddle Jr., age 73, also known as “Kenny”, passed away at Vero Health and Rehab on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Lloyd Leslie Ledford
Lloyd Leslie Ledford, age 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
OBITUARY: Tom Queen Jr.
Tom Queen Jr., 63, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Florida surrounded by his loving family.
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
ZZ Top to play Harrah’s Cherokee
ZZ Top will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Oct. 11. Tickets go on sale at ticketmaster.com on Friday, April 12.
Harrah’s Cherokee to host WSOP Circuit stop
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort will host its third World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit stop of the season starting on Wednesday, April 10.
Ken Jeong to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee
Actor, producer, and writer Ken Jeong will perform at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center on Friday, May 31.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm
















