NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Sleight and Roland child abuse cases schedule update
In August 2024, Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, then 78, who was employed as Santa at Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo in Cherokee, was arrested by Cherokee Indian Police Department on 13 child abuse charges including two counts of aggravated sexual abuse; two counts of sexual abuse; two counts of abusive sexual contact; three counts of offensive touching; two counts of contributing to the delinquency, undiscipline, neglect, or abuse of minors; and two counts of child abuse in the first degree.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Feb. 3)
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.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Smokies Life selects Jim and Leslie Costa as 2025 Steve Kemp Writers in Residence
Smokies Life has announced Jim and Leslie Costa as the recipients of its 2025 Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency. During their residency, the North Carolina-based couple plans to continue work already underway to write and illustrate a forthcoming field guide to the Smokies insects to be published by Smokies Life.
CIHA names 2025 Hayes Award and Employee of the Year recipients
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the recipients of its highest employee honors for 2025: Jason Sain, winner of the Hayes Award for Quality and Safety, and Rhiannon Spicer, named Employee of the Year.
“The past shaped us”: CHS Class of 2025 graduates most ever with 100
Cherokee High School (CHS) held the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 at Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. The class had the most graduates in school history with 100 seniors graduating.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: What motivates you? Part 2 of 2
Since we were very young, the world has drilled these attitudes into our heads.
COMMENTARY: Cherokee by degree
I worked on the Qualla Boundary long before I worked for the tribe. For 13 years, I worked for a consumer product company, purchasing retail space in stores for company displays and product placement.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: What Motivates You? Part 1 of 2
The various forms of pride in humans are Satan’s sneakiest sins. Pride creeps into our lives, minds, and hearts in many ways.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK: Cherokee hosts first meet of season
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) track team hosted the first meet of the 2023 season on the afternoon of Monday, March 6.
RUNNING: Jaylan McCoy-Bark signs with Haskell Indian Nations Univ.
Decorated Cherokee High School (CHS) runner, Jaylan McCoy-Bark, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, signed a letter of intent to run collegiately for Haskell Indian Nations University during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Thursday, March 2. He will run cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track for the Fighting Indians.
BASKETBALL: Lady Braves advance to regional semifinals
The Charles George Memorial Arena was rocking and rolling as the #3 seed Cherokee Lady Braves advanced to the regional semifinals of the 1A State Championship tournament.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Yahnie Ann Littlejohn Squirrel
Yahnie Ann Littlejohn Squirrel, 78, of Cherokee, opened her eyes in Heaven on Sunday, July 6, 2025. She was a native of Cherokee born on Dec. 7, 1946 to Owen and Agnes Bigwitch Long Littlejohn.
OBITUARY: Daphne Carol Blount
Daphne Carol Blount, age 51 of Murphy, entered the glories of peace that passes all understanding and imagination at home on Sunday, June 29, 2025, with her loving family. Although she is no longer with us in her earthly body, her spirit lives on and she will forever be loved, remembered and cherished by her family and friends.
OBITUARY: Sally J. Kent
Sally J. Kent, 62, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 24-26
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.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 17-19
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.
Cherokee National Historical Society hosting genealogy workshop
In recognition of Native American History Month, the Cherokee National Historical Society is hosting a genealogy workshop on Nov. 18 at the Ho-chee-nee Chapel on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Aaron Lewis set to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Aaron Lewis has always had a strong connection with his fans, and today, he keeps the tradition alive revealing new music and touring.
Cherokee Nation artist featured in WCU art exhibit
The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is holding an exhibition exploring Cherokee language and culture, entitled “Outspoken: Paintings by America Meredith”, now through May 3.
River Kane to host Inaugural Christmas Toy Drive for Cherokee Youth
River Kane, an emerging rock band based out of Cherokee, is hosting their inaugural Christmas Toy Drive benefiting Cherokee Youth at their upcoming concert on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
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Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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