NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
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.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) candidate questionnaire (Question #1)
The Cherokee One Feather issued four questions to candidates for Dinilawigi (Tribal Council). Over the next four weeks, candidate responses will be published.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
EBCI selects its 2025 Remember the Removal ride candidates
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has selected six tribal members to join riders from the Cherokee Nation in June 2025 on the annual Remember the Removal Ride (RTR). The ride will retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears.
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
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.
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