NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (March 10)
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.
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
An amazing journey: Keredith “Tooter” Owens has traveled the world dancing, sharing culture
Sitting at a table in the Qualla Boundary Public Library, Keredith “Tooter” Owens looks over a pile of her photographs documenting her career as a fancy shawl dancer at pow wows.
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: 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.
OBITUARY: Maryann Lukowicz
Maryann Lukowicz, 79, passed away at Harris Regional Hospital after an extended illness on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee Language Symposium to be held at WCU
Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Language Program and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian will host the 2nd Annual Undergraduate Cherokee Language Program: Language Revitalization and New Technologies on March 25-27.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 16-18
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 9-11
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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