NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Bill introduced to recognize Michigan state-recognized group
A bill has been introduced into the 119th Congress of the United States that would grant federal acknowledgment to a state-recognized group in Michigan. H.R. 3255 (Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025) was introduced by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.) and Congressman John James (R-Mich.) on Thursday, May 8.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (May 2025)
Each month, the One Feather will provide legislative updates on various pieces of federal legislation of interest to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Chief Hicks Monthly Report for Ka-wo-ni – ᎧᏬᏂ (April)
April was a meaningful month filled with progress, strong partnerships, and time spent with our people. I’m proud to share a few highlights from the past several weeks.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Great Smoky Mountains National Park team wins national award for Seeking Paths in Nature education program
A team of Great Smoky Mountains National Park employees was recently awarded the 2023 Excellence in Education Award at a National Park Service awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Many of the agency’s top awards were presented at the 2023 National Service Awards ceremony.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Pharmacy earns two prestigious Indian Health Service Awards
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced that its Pharmacy Department has been honored with two prestigious Indian Health Service (IHS) Director’s Awards, recognizing the outstanding achievements of both the Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy Teams.
EBCI WIC Program receives Breastfeeding Award of Excellence
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) WIC program has been honored with the prestigious Breastfeeding Award of Excellence Gold status, making it the only agency in the Southeast Region to receive this recognition.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: The U.S. government should enforce eagle feather regulations
During the September session of Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) presented. The purpose of their visit was to solicit a partnership with the tribe to develop a rehabilitation and hospital facility for eagles and other birds of prey. The visit was facilitated by the Steve Youngdeer Post of the American Legion Post 143.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Consider Christ for Christ’s Sake
It is a true statement that the best part of any community is the people. Unfortunately, we also must acknowledge the other side of that reality.
COMMENTARY: We all need accountability
Being responsible for someone or something is never an easy chore. Ask any parent. If you truly take on the duty to raise a young one right, it will be a physically and mentally taxing endeavor. On top of meeting personal goals and meeting spiritual standards, a parent must also navigate societal norms.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Black Knights top Braves in second round playoff game
Robbinsville 39 Cherokee 12 2nd Round NCHSAA 1A Playoffs - Thursday, Nov. 10 Robbinsville, N.C. PHOTO ALBUM SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter 8:10 – ROBBINSVILLE: Cuttler Adams 31-yard run, Bryce Adams two-point run. Robbinsville 8 Cherokee 0 :59.6 – ROBBINSVILLE: Bryce...
CROSS COUNTRY: EBCI Runners bring home the hardware from state
Multiple members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians brought home plaques and medals from the 1A State Cross Country Championship held at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, N.C. on Saturday, Nov. 5.
FOOTBALL: Braves beat Starmount in first round of playoffs
The Cherokee Braves (3-8), the 24th seed in the 1A state playoffs, traveled to the 8th seed, Starmount Rams (7-4), on the evening of Friday, Nov. 4 and came away with a 28-21 victory.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Marie Taylor Swayney
Marie Taylor Swayney, 88, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.
OBITUARY: Carly Dea Maples
Carly Dea Maples, 47, of the Birdtown Community, passed away peacefully with family by her side Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of Linda Maples of Cherokee, and George O. Burgess of Franklin, N.C.
OBITUARY: Karen Lynn George
Karen Lynn George, daughter of late Jennie Lossie-George and Alfred George, was born on Aug. 30h, 1965 in Cherokee, N.C. She went to be home with the lord on Nov. 16, 2024.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Dec. 22-31
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.
Park to host Holiday Homecoming at Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a Holiday Homecoming at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Saturday, Dec. 16.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Dec. 8-10
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: “The Spirit Quest of Little Fox” shares cultural teachings
“The Spirit Quest of Little Fox” by Lynn M. Mayberry manages to weave both Cherokee cultural teachings as well personal teachings.
Kenny Rogers tour cancelled, including Harrah’s Cherokee date
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is regretful to announce the cancellation of Kenny Rogers’ tour, including his scheduled May 26 performance at the Event Center.
Alison Kraus to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee in September
Alison Krauss is scheduled to play the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Friday, Sept. 21 at 9pm. Tickets for this show go on sale on Friday, April 6 at 10am.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm















