NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi establishes Eastern Band of Cherokee Place Names Committee
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved a resolution that establishes the Eastern Band of Cherokee Place Names Committee. Res. No. 92 (2026) passed 11-1 {Wayohi (Wolftown) Rep. Mike Parker dissenting} during the regular session of Dinilawigi on Thursday, March 5.
Resolution to change name of EBCI withdrawn
Following a lengthy discussion, a resolution that sought to change the name of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to Eastern Cherokee Nation was withdrawn during the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) session on Thursday, March 5.
Growing and growing: Per capita distribution approved from cannabis sales
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved Ord. No. 112 (2026) during its regular session on Thursday, March 5 which amends Cherokee Code Chapter 117 “to provide for the distribution of certain revenues from Qualla Enterprises, LLC to the Tribe and tribal members”.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
“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.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
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.
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: Barbara A. Saunooke (Bossy)
Barbara A. Saunooke (Bossy), 77, of the Birdtown Community, took the hand of Jesus to walk on the streets of Gold Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Mary (Bell) Taylor. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in...
OBITUARY: Joedy Andrew Hobby
Joedy Andrew Hobby, 70, of Moreland, Ga., formerly of Atlanta, passed away Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital.
OBITUARY: Frederick “Horace” Arch Jr.
Frederick “Horace” Arch Jr. (April 24, 1964 – Aug. 17, 2025), age 61, went to his Heavenly home after a hard battle with kidney and lung cancer. He hates to lose, so for those who knew him, you know he fought with everything in him.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for April 6-8
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 30 – April 1
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 23-25
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
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.
Cherokee Comicon prepares for opening weekend
Starting Friday, Aug. 23, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) will be hosting its first Cherokee Legends Comicon at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
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.
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