NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi votes to suspend Qualla Enterprises board members, removes chairperson
On the afternoon of Thursday, April 2, the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) voted to suspend the members of the Qualla Enterprises, LLC. board and remove the chairperson.
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Hicks elected treasurer of the Indian Gaming Association
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was elected on Wednesday, April 1 as treasurer of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA).
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (March 31)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
EBCI Tribal Option promotes healthy vision this July
July is recognized as Healthy Vision Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
An amazing journey: Keredith “Tooter” Owens has traveled the world dancing, sharing culture
Sitting at a table in the Qualla Boundary Public Library, Keredith “Tooter” Owens looks over a pile of her photographs documenting her career as a fancy shawl dancer at pow wows.
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
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee teams come out on top as they host four-school meet
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team hosted a four-school meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 29, and both the CHS Braves and Lady Braves teams took first place.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee hosts five-school meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track and field team hosted a five-school meet on the afternoon of Monday, March 27.
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.
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 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
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.
Ken Jeong to perform at Harrah’s Cherokee
Actor, producer, and writer Ken Jeong will perform at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center on Friday, May 31.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm