NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
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.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 25, 2025)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Bob Blankenship ’60 Named NC State College of Education Alumnus of the Year
Tribal Leader. Army helicopter pilot. Trout farmer. Antique car collector. Museum president. Since graduating from the NC State College of Education, it sometimes feels as if there is little Bob Blankenship ’60 has not accomplished over the course of his life and career.
CCS Musical Theatre, Choir preparing for upcoming performances
Beautiful singing voices resonated through The Gathering Place on the campus of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6 as the One Feather caught up with some talented students and a familiar teacher.
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
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.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee hosts first meet of season
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track team hosted the first meet of the 2023 season on the afternoon of Monday, March 6.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY: Georgia Imogene Toineeta Hunter
Georgia Imogene Toineeta Hunter, 71, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Georgia was born Feb. 17, 1953 to the late Howard and Tiney Smith Toineeta in Cherokee.
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
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.
“People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters” to open at Cherokee Museum
“People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters” will open Saturday, April 6 at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm