NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 12)
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.
National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration work towards expedited repair of US441/Newfound Gap Road
The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) continue to work towards emergency repairs for US441/Newfound Gap Road following the Aug. 1 washout and landslide. The agencies plan to award a contract in August and expect that construction will be complete in early October.
Dinilawigi approves legislation giving green light to new Bingo operation
The old Cherokee Tribal Bingo closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, and it was never re-opened. A new Bingo operation is in the works, and Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) passed legislation during its regular session on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 that gives the green light for it to become reality.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Faith Long-Presley selected for prestigious SWAIA Native Fashion Week
Faith Long-Presley, an accomplished artist, designer, and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as a designer for the highly-anticipated SWAIA Native Fashion Week in May.
WCU’s Project Discovery celebrates, reflects on 40th anniversary
Heath Robertson sat at the back of the bus on a college tour trip when he was asked about his future plans. Robertson’s answer? He didn’t have any.
Thompson and CIHA Physical Therapy Department named 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award recipient
Jennifer Thompson, DPT, CLT, physical therapy manager at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), and the CIHA Physical Therapy Department were named the winner of the 2024 Dr. Frell Owl Award.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
THE GOOD STUFF: Beloved Woman is a fierce language warrior
I take a lot of photographs, but one of my favorites from the past few years shows an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) at the Annual Cherokee Speakers Walk.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Fireworks
I was born and raised in Montana in the fifties and sixties. The 4th of July was the biggest holiday of the year for me. Bigger than Christmas or my birthday or anything. Our family plans always included doing something special.
EDITORIAL: Clay County’s “strong emotions” excuse is not ok
Several incidents occurred during the Smoky Mountain Conference varsity girls basketball final between the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) and the Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets that are just not ok.
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: Mary Catherine “Tootie” Smith
Mary Catherine “Tootie” Smith, age 94, of Wolftown Community, widow of Sibbald Smith, passed away, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at Hospice at the Cherokee Hospital.
OBITUARY: Bryan Steven Squirrel
Bryan Steven Squirrel, 41, of Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of George Squirrel of Cherokee and the late Sarah Elizabeth Bradley.
OBITUARY: Reginald “Reg” Enloe Moody Sr.
Reginald “Reg” Enloe Moody Sr., 89, passed away Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at Mission Hospital after a period of extended illnesses.
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
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.
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.
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