NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
STAFF REPORT: 5th Annual News Summit and Law Reporting Fellowship Launch
On Friday, March 27, I attended the 5th Annual North Carolina News and Information Summit at McKimmon Conference and Training Center at North Carolina State University (NC State) and met with my mentor and cohort for the 2026 Law and Justice Reporting Fellowship I received officially on March 18.
Letter outlines EBCI tribal member’s rights to gather in Nantahala, Pisgah National Forests
A letter sent to Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks from a U.S. Forest Service official outlines the rights that members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have in traditional gathering in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest.
Firefighters continue to suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap Wildfire
Firefighters continue to actively suppress the Rabbit Creek and Fox Gap wildfires in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
“I need to go and do my part”: Tribal elder’s memory honored with Congressional Record
The life and military service of the late Fred B. Lunsford, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who was a World War II veteran and a Baptist minister, was honored during a ceremony at the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post 143 headquarters in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Wednesday, July 2.
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.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: But wait, there’s more.
I question the transparency of government a bunch. Questioning the government isn’t always the healthiest thing for a career in tribal government.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Compelling devotion, Part 2 of 2
Let’s look at Luke 14:16-23: “Then He said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’
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.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
NCHSAA votes to allow NIL deals for high school athletes
Effective July 1, 2023, student athletes may engage in certain commercial activities to receive tangible benefits.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in Swain County High School Invitational
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team participated in the Swain County High School Invitational meet held at Enka High School in Candler, N.C. on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 25.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee athletes win titles at SMC Championship
Several athletes on the Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track and field team won titles at the Smoky Mountain Conference Championship (SMC) held at Andrews High School in Andrews, N.C. on the afternoon of Monday, April 24.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Ramona Lossie
Ramona Lossie, beloved, mother, sister, and esteemed Cherokee basket maker, passed away on Aug. 26, 2025. A lifelong resident of Cherokee, Ramona devoted her life to preserving and teaching the art of Cherokee basketry.
OBITUARY: Barbara A. Saunooke (Bossy)
Barbara A. Saunooke (Bossy), 77, of the Birdtown Community, took the hand of Jesus to walk on the streets of Gold Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Mary (Bell) Taylor. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in...
OBITUARY: Joedy Andrew Hobby
Joedy Andrew Hobby, 70, of Moreland, Ga., formerly of Atlanta, passed away Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Feb. 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.
Cherokee Heritage Day at Museum of the Cherokee Indian to celebrate Hungry Moon
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian on Saturday, Feb. 10 for a day of fun cultural activities celebrating the Cherokee month of Kagali, known as the “Hungry Moon.”
Upcoming Pow Wows for Feb. 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
BOOK REVIEW: “Sovereign Entrepreneurs” sets the groundwork for Native entrepreneurs
“Sovereign Entrepreneurs, Cherokee Small-Business Owners and the Making of Economic Sovereignty”, written by Courtney Lewis, is a must read for anyone that has a business or is looking to start one on tribal property.
Fariello receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Author and curator Anna Fariello received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Folk Art Center during the annual meeting of the Southern Highland Craft Guild recently.
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival set for June 6-8
Adams Bluegrass, LLC, has announced that the Cherokee Bluegrass Festival will be held at Happy Holiday RV Village and Campground at 1553 Wolfetown Road in Cherokee.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm