NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Resolution recognizing Purple Lotus Day passes unanimously
Sheyahshe Littledave, public information officer for the Office of the Principal Chief, and Billie Jo Rich, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (DVSA) program manager, walked in a resolution during Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Annual Council on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 30 for the EBCI to officially recognize the third Thursday of the month of October as Purple Lotus Day in honor of survivors of domestic violence.
EBCI Government Explained: Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) meetings
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is established in the EBCI Charter and Governing Document. Laws regarding its meetings can be found throughout the Charter and Governing Document as well as Cherokee Code.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tables resolution regarding weighted vote
The weighted vote used by the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has been in place since 2001. Dinilawigi tabled a resolution during an Annual Council session on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 that seeks to evaluate the numbers based on a 2023 tribal census.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SCC recognizes Ugvwiyuhi Hicks for Distinguished Alumni Award
Michell Hicks, Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been named the recipient of Southwestern Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute to celebrate Alumni Week and announces International Conference Opportunity
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to share two exciting updates that reflect their continued commitment to culturally based leadership development for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Code Purple: A Community Response
Jeff Helpman, pastor of The Grove Church on Franklin Grove in Bryson City, heads a Code Purple warming center at his church with the help of his wife, Jodi Helpman, who is graduating this May from Western Carolina University’s Master of Social Work program.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: An old African Proverb
Many people decline to participate in the ministry because they feel they have nothing to offer. They are not speakers, teachers, leaders, or educators, and they do not think they are a vital part of the body of Christ.
COMMENTARY: Truth and Transparency in Journalism
I can understand how frustrating it must be to be a government official these days. In a world where even the most delicate item about a person’s personal life can be easily “pulled up” on a website or social media page, readers can find out most things about most people and things in a few moments of research online.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Soldier’s Perspective – Part 3
I know you are not reading this for a history lesson on the life of a Roman soldier but now think about what Paul was saying when he wrote this. As soldiers for Christ, we must be willing and ready as dedicated and enlisted soldiers for His work 24/7 and not be distracted by our civilian life.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
For Cherokee mom and daughter, sports are a family affair
For Tara Saunooke Alexander and her daughter, Katie Alexander, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, sports are a family affair. Tara, a standout basketball player at AC Reynolds and Clemson University, was recently inducted into the WNC Athletic Hall of Fame. Katie just finished four stellar years playing volleyball at Asheville Christian and received a national award.
ON THE SIDELINES: Cooperation is needed to solve charter school situation
For years, schools in the 1A division of NCHSAA (N.C. High School Athletic Association) have had to play against non-traditional schools (charter schools, prep, etc.) who are able to garner players from all over, not just their geographic area like other schools.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee hosts first meet of season
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track team hosted the first meet of the 2023 season on the afternoon of Monday, March 6.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: John Gerald Walker
John Gerald Walker was born on Feb. 5, 1952 as a birthday gift to his mom Leois Evans Walker and his awesome dad George Walker.
OBITUARY: Shaina Marie Taylor
Shaina Marie Taylor, 34, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
OBITUARY: Peggy Owle Wolfe
Peggy Owle Wolfe, 71, of Cherokee, went home to be with her Heavenly Father, Wednesday, May 21, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd Solomon and Betty Bradley Owle.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Feb. 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 Jan. 26-28
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 Jan. 12-14
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
Alabama to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee
Alabama will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Friday, May 24. Tickets go on sale at www.ticketmaster.com on Friday, March 8.
3 Doors Down to host Better Life Foundation Concert at Harrah’s Cherokee
3 Doors Down will host their 16th annual charity concert event on Saturday, Sept. 7, with special guest Clay Walker, to benefit The Better Life Foundation at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm