NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Lumbee recognition included in House-approved FY26 NDAA bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3838 (National Defense Authorization Act FY26) last week which included a tack-on of the Lumbee Fairness Act which would grant full federal acknowledgement to the state-recognized group known as the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
“What a blessing”: Kuwohi Celebration marks one-year anniversary of name restoration
The sun peeked through the moving clouds and fog covered the mountain peaks at Kuwohi (Mulberry Place) on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 for a special event. Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and friends gathered at the site to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the restoration of the name of the area to its original Cherokee name, Kuwohi.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 15)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Asst. Editor 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...
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“Homelands”: EBCI artists featured in McClung’s mound exhibit
Four artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are among Indigenous artists featured in a new exhibit at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.
Mistee Cutshaw named 2025 recipient of Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation’s Lula Owl Gloyne Award
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation has announced Mistee Cutshaw as the recipient of this year’s Lula Owl Gloyne Award, recognizing her remarkable dedication and contributions to healthcare within the Cherokee community.
Services are expanding at Tsali Care Center
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the expansion of its Rehabilitation Department to include services at Tsali Care Center. Effective the week of January 20, 2025, CIHA’s Physical Therapy, Wound Care, and Orthopedic Clinic will assume the rehabilitation services for residents of Tsali Care Center, ensuring access to high-quality, in-house care.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call – Part Two
Everyone can identify and know what you are talking about with these statements. These examples are universal life experiences.
COMMENTARY: A tribal radio station would improve the safety of our community
Why don’t we have a tribal radio station? AM and FM radio are ultimately portable. Access to this type of one-way communication can be had with a second-hand, two-dollar transistor radio from the thrift store (the two AA batteries needed to power a radio cost more than the radio itself).
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Close Call – Part One
Before and since I met my wife, I was a motorcycle enthusiast for fifty-some years. Back then, that is what you would have called me unless you saw me riding on the street with my colors, and then you would probably call me a biker.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves win SMC tournament title in barn-burner
Whitney Rogers, Cherokee sophomore, hit a free throw with 19.4 seconds left on the clock in overtime to seal the deal as the Lady Braves won the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) tournament on Friday, Feb. 17. Cherokee defeated the Robbinsville Lady Black Knights 72-71 in a barn-burner at the Ken Solesbee Athletic Center at Andrews High School.
INDOOR TRACK: Smoky Mountain All-Conference list
The following athletes have been named All-Conference in their respective events in the Smoky Mountain Conference for the 2022-23 Indoor Track season:
INDOOR TRACK: Swain County women repeat as East Burke men claim their first team title
NCHSAA Release (One Feather staff contributed to this report) WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Swain County women made it back-to-back state Indoor titles with a convincing 83.5-61 victory over second place Cummings at the 1A/2A Indoor Track & Field State...
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
James Robert “Poat” Squirrell
James Robert “Poat” Squirrell was called to his eternal rest on March 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories. A devoted family man, loyal friend, and respected member of his community, Poat touched the lives of many with his warm heart, generous spirit, and his infectious smile.
OBITUARY: John Joseph Long
John Joseph Long, 71, passed away at Mission Hospital on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was the son of the late Posey Long and Bessie (Catolster) Long.
OBITUARY: Julie Anne Smith
Julie Anne Smith, born on Oct. 21, 1967, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, Julie was a lifelong resident of Cherokee.
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
“We’re Still Here”: Cherokee Chamber Singers to perform with N.C. Symphony
In a remarkable collaboration, the Cherokee Chamber Singers will perform seven shows with the North Carolina Symphony in October and will bring a very important message with them.
Cherokee-inspired sculpture unveiled
The Cherokee language and syllabary were the inspiration for a new iron sculpture unveiled the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 21 on the campus of Western Carolina University.
Messages from the Drum: Tribal member launches web radio show
Beverly Bushyhead, MA, MPA, is combating the notion that Native Americans and First Nations people are extinct.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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