NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Pheasant sentenced to life in prison for 2013 murder
Ernest D. Pheasant Sr., 47, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, April 3, 2025 for the 2013 murder of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
EBCI GOVT. EXPLAINED: How legislation becomes law
Section 117 Article II of the Cherokee Code of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) deals with the powers and authority of Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) as the Tribe’s Legislative Branch of government.
Coming full circle: Sign designating Kuwohi installed in Park
The name of the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River was restored to its original name last fall, and now it is completely official – it has a sign. A sign designating the area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park known as Kuwohi (mulberry place) was officially unveiled in a ceremony on the morning of Tuesday, April 1.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SCC, TERO hosts tiny house project
In a continued partnership with the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) in Cherokee, Southwestern Community College has started a class that trains students how to build a tiny house.
Cherokee High School student advocates for mental health
Ava Walkingstick is a sophomore at Cherokee High School (CHS). After losing her best friend and cousin, Cynthia “Mouse” Saunooke, in November 2023, Walkingstick has turned her grief into advocacy.
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Hugh Lambert serves with a smile and soulful spirit
The ever-present smile and positive attitude of Hugh Lambert is endearing to all who meet him. He is quick with a joke and a funny story but also very focused on serving his people and community of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
COMMENTARY: Community awareness needs governmental action
Some of the biggest problems we should give awareness and action to on the Qualla Boundary, especially as it pertains to MMIP, are domestic violence and sexual assault and human trafficking – particularly child sex trafficking.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work
For many years, I led groups of maintenance technicians in a public school system. I was fortunate that many on each team were Christians. Occasionally, people need counseling when they become discouraged.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team members place at Fall Tournament
Members of the Qualla Boundary Special Olympics team placed at the 2024 Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Fall Tournament held recently in Charlotte, N.C.
Cherokee Recreation Youth Wrestling Program will begin in March
Starting in March, Cherokee Recreation will launch a new youth wrestling program. Casey Reagan, from Smokey Mountain Judo, will be heading up the program with help from his family, including his sister, Erin Reagan Kirkland, from Cherokee Central Schools.
Lady Braves golfer Paytyn Barker makes history
Paytyn Barker, a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), began playing golf in her sophomore year.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Verlon A. McCoy
Verlon A. McCoy, age 85, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025. He is the son of the late, Lola (McCoy) Queen and Herman Lambert.
OBITUARY: Jack “Ray” Blankenship
Jack “Ray” Blankenship, 86, of Cherokee went home Thursday, April 3, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Roy and Georgia Goforth Blankenship.
OBITUARY: Allen “Leonard” Tolley
Allen “Leonard” Tolley, born on Oct. 6, 1942, to the late William “Dink” and Olive Maney “Ollie” Tolley, of Cherokee, walked into his eternal reward, April 1, 2025, He was a dedicated individual and a proud veteran of the US Army.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming events in Cherokee
Following is a listing of events scheduled for Cherokee in the next three months per the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds staff:
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 2020
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 February 2020
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 Central Schools Musical Theater presents “The Addams Family”
The Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Musical Theater performed “The Addams Family: School Edition” on the evenings of May 9-11. The play was packed with the classic Addams Family characters, spooky ancestors, and Cherokee humor.
EBCI tribal member takes top honor at Trail of Tears Art Show
The longest-running Native American juried art show and competition in Oklahoma announced its top honors during a special reception on April 5 at the gallery in Cherokee Springs Plaza.
Oconaluftee Indian Village prepares to open for 2024 season
The Oconaluftee Indian Village will open on Tuesday, April 16, for their 2024 season, which will last until Nov. 2.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm