NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 5)
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.
Man sentenced to 21 years in prison on drug and gun charges
Grey Alan Hester, 50, of Candler, N.C. was sentenced on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, to 21 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority celebrates opening of new Cherokee County Clinic
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), alongside Tribal leadership, community members, and project partners, celebrated the opening of the new Cherokee County Clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CIHA names 2025 Hayes Award and Employee of the Year recipients
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the recipients of its highest employee honors for 2025: Jason Sain, winner of the Hayes Award for Quality and Safety, and Rhiannon Spicer, named Employee of the Year.
“The past shaped us”: CHS Class of 2025 graduates most ever with 100
Cherokee High School (CHS) held the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. The class had the most graduates in school history with 100 seniors graduating.
Cherokee Elementary students write and illustrate nature book
For the second school year in a row, fifth grade students at Cherokee Elementary School have written and published a book. This school year, students in Mrs. Shae Deck’s class produced “Important Cherokee Animals and Plants” dedicated to the “past, present, and future Cherokee people”.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Cherokee Women showed out in the Primary
On the evening of July 17, congratulatory remarks erupted across Facebook as several women running for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tallied impressive numbers in the unofficial results of the Primary Election.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: What motivates you? Part 2 of 2
Since we were very young, the world has drilled these attitudes into our heads.
COMMENTARY: Cherokee by degree
I worked on the Qualla Boundary long before I worked for the tribe. For 13 years, I worked for a consumer product company, purchasing retail space in stores for company displays and product placement.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in WNC Kickoff Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team participated in the WNC Kickoff Invitational at the Western Carolina University track in Cullowhee on the afternoon of Friday, March 24.
CHEERLEADING: Frady signs to cheer at Mars Hill University
Adia Frady, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), will continue her cheerleading career at the next level. She signed a letter of intent during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Thursday, March 23 to join the Cheerleading and Dance Teams at Mars Hill University.
FOOTBALL: Hill signs to play at Maryville College
Kenton Tsisqua Hill, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS), will continue his football career at the next level.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Daphne Carol Blount
Daphne Carol Blount, age 51 of Murphy, entered the glories of peace that passes all understanding and imagination at home on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with her loving family. Although she is no longer with us in her earthly body, her spirit lives on and she will forever be loved, remembered and cherished by her family and friends.
OBITUARY: Sally J. Kent
Sally J. Kent, 62, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Charles Ray Elders
Charles Ray Elders, 82, of Whittier, N.C., went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 20, 2025.
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
Foerst admitted to prestigious WCU musical theater program
Brennen Foerst, a 2018 graduate of Cherokee High School, has been admitted to the prestigious Western Carolina University (WCU) musical theater program for the fall semester.
ZZ Top to play Harrah’s Cherokee
ZZ Top will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Oct. 11. Tickets go on sale at ticketmaster.com on Friday, April 12.
Harrah’s Cherokee to host WSOP Circuit stop
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort will host its third World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit stop of the season starting on Wednesday, April 10.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm