NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Qualla Boundary Public Library awarded $88,800 from Cherokee Preservation Foundation to expand makerspace and workforce development programs
The Qualla Boundary Public Library has been awarded $88,800 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to support the continued development of the library makerspace and workforce development initiatives serving the Qualla Boundary community.
Qualla Boundary Public Library successfully completes makerspace planning grant through Cherokee Preservation Foundation support
The Qualla Boundary Public Library has announced the successful completion of a $15,000 planning grant provided by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation in support of the development of a community-centered makerspace at the library.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute awarded grants from Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) has announced it has been awarded a grant of $268,160 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to support administrative costs associated with managing and overseeing its culturally based leadership programs.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WCU–CIHA partnership grows Cherokee’s next generation of healers
In the midst of ongoing staffing challenges across the healthcare industry, the innovative partnership between Western Carolina University (WCU) and the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is doing exactly what a great pipeline should do – it matches local talent with meaningful careers close to home, expands continuing education opportunities, and opens career-ladder pathways for enrolled members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Cherokee Growing Readers Unite for Literacy program begins book garden initiative
During Reports to Council on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 3, Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Superintendent Consuela Girty, Center for Native Health (CNH) Relational Health Program Director and Growing Reader Associate Kristina Hyatt, and Hope Center Director Michele Galloway, presented the Cherokee Growing Readers initiative through Unite for Literacy, which will include book gardens and a community writer’s workshop.
Zachary Fischer wins $324,135 in WSOP Poker Tournament at Harrah’s Cherokee
The world’s most prestigious brand in poker, the World Series of Poker (WSOP), awarded more than $7.5 million across 18 trophy events at its most recent Circuit stop at Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COLUMN (Living the Arte Suave): Between a chair and a hard place
When pursuing healthy living habits people often find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Many of the prescriptions and suggested cures come with lengthy laundry lists of warnings and possible contradictions. Every pharmaceutical TV advertisement ends with a rushed litany of reported side effects. Sometimes the possible cures or prescriptives seem worse than the ailments!
COMMENTARY: Why are we having to ask “Show me the Money”?
Are we too stupid to know? A former tribal official stated in a leadership meeting that we would just be too confused by getting information on our projects and finances, so it is better to let the government handle it without community involvement.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Division, Part 2 of 2
When we see division, we should immediately become peacemakers.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FISHING: Over 300 anglers come out for Tim Hill Memorial Tournament
A total of 332 anglers registered for the Tim Hill Memorial Fish Tournament on July 8-9 in Cherokee, N.C. and turned in 111 winning tags totaling $4,350 in prizes. Jeffrey D. Meyer, of Statesville, N.C., and Michael Hepp, of Asheville, N.C., both turned in white tags winning $500 each.
Chase Sneed selected as new Cherokee Central Schools athletic director
Chase Sneed, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as the new athletic director at Cherokee Central Schools.
FISHING: Nearly 600 anglers compete in Memorial Day Tournament
A total of 583 anglers registered for the 2023 Memorial Day Fishing Tournament in Cherokee, N.C. over Memorial Day weekend. In all, 63 anglers turned in 104 tags for a total cash payout of $4,650.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Amber Joy McNeilly
Amber Joy McNeilly, 42, of Lenoir, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.
OBITUARY: Sheridan Everett “Sonny” Smith
Sheridan Everett “Sonny” Smith, 76 of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.
OBITUARY: Carly Elizabeth Johnson
Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, passed away suddenly and tragically on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Asheville, N.C. Her unexpected departure has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of those who knew and loved her most.
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
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.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm


















