NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Dinilawigi approves budget amendments, requests to apply for grant funding
During its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) approved several budget amendments and requests from programs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to apply for grant funding. Items No. 15-20, all submitted by Brandi Claxton, interim secretary of treasury, were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.
Dinilawigi tables, withdraws several pieces of legislation during September session
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tabled several ordinances during the Orders of the Day portion of its regular session on Thursday, Sept. 4 including one designed to solve an upcoming vacancy on the Cherokee School Board. Several of these were tabled for more discussion before being brought to the floor for a vote.
Renovations have been completed at Cherokee Post Office
The Cherokee Post Office has been expanded and gotten a facelift in a few other parts. Those renovations have been ongoing for the past few months and were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the rainy morning of Wednesday, Sept. 3.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI tribal members to shine on the runway at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week
Cherokee designer Faith Long-Presley is making waves in the fashion world with her upcoming showcase at Santa Fe Native Fashion Week. Representing her community with pride, she has selected 11 models from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to model her designs during the event.
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 – 2nd 9-weeks Grading Period
Cherokee Elementary School Honor Roll 2024-25 – 2nd 9-weeks Grading Period
Center for Native Health receives $500K grant to start Doula Program
The Center for Native Health (CNH) has been selected to receive a $500,000 grant, provided by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and supported by the Spirit Aligned Leadership Program, to establish a doula program for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work
For many years, I led groups of maintenance technicians in a public school system. I was fortunate that many on each team were Christians. Occasionally, people need counseling when they become discouraged.
THE GOOD STUFF: Always a hero
I was in the process of writing my weekly Good Stuff column on a Cherokee hero when I got an email from a funeral home. It was the obituary for a hero of mine and many others – PFC Reuben Taylor, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
COMMENTARY: Hard truths – hirings and appointments
We have heard our tribal governmental administration say on multiple occasions that they prioritize hiring tribal members for tribal government positions. This commitment benefits every enrolled member, at least on the surface.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Blankenship to be inducted into NCADA Hall of Fame
A longtime educator at Swain County High School is being named to the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) Hall of Fame. Neil Blankenship, a first descendant of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is being inducted into Hall of Fame at the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, N.C. on March 27.
INDOOR TRACK: Cherokee hosts Smoky Mountain Conference Indoor Track Championship
One Feather Staff Report CHEROKEE, N.C. – Cherokee High School (CHS) hosted the Smoky Mountain Conference Indoor Track Championship on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 3. The Cherokee Braves took second place overall in the men’s team event with 114 just behind...
FOOTBALL: Kensen Davis signs with Lenoir-Rhyne University
Kensen Davis, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior at Cherokee High School, will be continuing his athletic career at the next level. He signed a letter of intent, to play football at Lenoir-Rhyne University, during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 1.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: William Jarrett “Jiggy-Fly” Wilnoty
William Jarrett “Jiggy-Fly” Wilnoty, 43, of Cherokee, passed away unexpectedly in his home. He was born on Dec. 21, 1981 to Joseph A Wilnoty (Tammy) and Faye McCoy.
OBITUARY: Fred Bruner Lunsford
Fred Bruner Lunsford, born March 7, 1925, to the late Inez Rogers and Pearlie M. Lunsford; passed to his Heavenly Home on March 1, 2025 (six days before his 100th birthday). He joined his beloved wife of 70 years, Gladys Greene Lunsford, who died on Aug. 14, 2014.
OBITUARY: Mrs. Sara Mae Reagan Waldroop
It is with a heavy heart, we share the passing of Mrs. Sara Mae Reagan Waldroop, 87, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee Museum to host “Snow Moon”-themed Cherokee Heritage Day
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian on Saturday, Dec. 9 for a day of fun activities celebrating the Cherokee month of Vsgiyi, known as the “Snow Moon.”
Park Invites the public to #OptOutside after Thanksgiving Day
Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites visitors to join a park ranger for a guided hike on Friday, Nov. 24 or a service opportunity on Saturday, Nov. 25.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Dec. 1-3
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
“Unto These Hills” closes for season, presents staff awards
The 2018 season of the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” closed on Saturday, Aug. 18.
Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers are set to play the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Nov. 9 at 9pm.
Cherokee sculptor to be featured at WCU Fine Art Museum
The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center has announced an exhibition entitled Joshua Adams: Facing Culture, running through Aug. 24. The exhibition brings together a selection of masks and carvings of the human face by Eastern Band Cherokee artist Joshua Adams, who expresses a deep reverence for his culture through his artwork.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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