NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Qualla Boundary Head Start & Early Head Start awarded Tribal Childcare Licensure for the fifth year in a row
EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Public Health & Human Services Division (EBCI PHHS) Regulatory & Compliance Department (RCD) has announced the Qualla Boundary Head Start & Early Head Start (QB HS & EHS) centers, Dora Reed Center, and Big Cove Children’s Center have been awarded their annual Tribal Childcare Licensure for the fifth year.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 9)
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.
NAFOA issues financial analysis of impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on tribal nations
Alongside other National Tribal Organizations, NAFOA is analyzing the provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill and their potential impacts on Tribal Nations. We are committed to providing you with a thorough assessment and advocating for the needs of Indian Country.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
Hill exhibits work in “Future Imaginaries” show
A Cherokee artist is pushing her artwork into the future. Luzene Hill, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has a piece included in the “Future Imaginaries: Indigenous Art, Fashion, Technology” show running now at the Samuel & Minna Grodin Gallery at The Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, Calif.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: We should consider elections for more leading positions in the Tribe
We have struggled for several years in attempts to create a constitution “by the people for the people”. The most recent failed attempt was six years in the making.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Small beginnings
God is big, and we often think of Him in His grandiose state more than we consider Him in small things like a mustard seed or a yud. What’s a yud, you ask? The yud is the tenth and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. It is a small mark that looks like the English version of an apostrophe. The difference in what it means in Hebrew is much more critical.
COMMENTARY: Put the sign back
A debate between the tribal business committee and the tribal museum has left the community without a roadside sign to alert those traveling on Tsali Blvd that there is a valuable source of education and information about our tribe since May 2024.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
RUNNING: Jaylan McCoy-Bark signs with Haskell Indian Nations Univ.
Decorated Cherokee High School (CHS) runner, Jaylan McCoy-Bark, 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 Thursday, March 2. He will run cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track for the Fighting Indians.
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves advance to regional semifinals
The Charles George Memorial Arena was rocking and rolling as the #3 seed Cherokee Lady Braves advanced to the regional semifinals of the 1A State Championship tournament.
WRESTLING: 1A State Championship held in Greensboro
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) concluded the 87th Annual Individual Wrestling State Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 18. Avery County won the 1A team title and Kage Williams, of Robbinsville, was named 1A Most Outstanding Wrestler. Below are the championship (first place matches) in each 1A weight class.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Hugh Branner Hall Jr.
Hugh Branner Hall Jr. (Buddy), 92, of Waynesville, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Mr. Hall was born in Waynesville on July 5, 1932 to the late Edith McKay Hall and Hugh Branner Hall, Sr.
OBITUARY: Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”
Solomon David Owl “Sonny Boy”, 82, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cherokee, N.C. on Sept. 3, 1942 to the late Quincy Adam Owl and Winne Mae Junaluskie Owl.
OBITUARY: Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson
Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson, 74, passed away Dec. 20, 2024 at Cherokee Indian Hospital surrounded by family and friends after an extended battle with Multiple Myeloma.
HAPPENINGS
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park to host battle anniversary
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host the 204th Anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe on Saturday, March 24.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 2-4
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 Feb. 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
Aaron Lewis set to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Aaron Lewis has always had a strong connection with his fans, and today, he keeps the tradition alive revealing new music and touring.
Cherokee Nation artist featured in WCU art exhibit
The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is holding an exhibition exploring Cherokee language and culture, entitled “Outspoken: Paintings by America Meredith”, now through May 3.
River Kane to host Inaugural Christmas Toy Drive for Cherokee Youth
River Kane, an emerging rock band based out of Cherokee, is hosting their inaugural Christmas Toy Drive benefiting Cherokee Youth at their upcoming concert on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm