NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Firefighters continue to suppress the Rabbit Creek Fire in Park
Firefighters continue to suppress the Rabbit Creek Fire in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The fire is 47.5 acres and is 25 percent contained. Crews continue to establish and reinforce fire line around the perimeter.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (March 24)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation expands efforts to enhance tourism economy
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Dogwood Health Trust to support regional strategies to advance tourism and related economic development.
“We are still here”: Annual Kituwah Celebration held
A light, constant breeze blew through the area as Cherokee songs were sung, anetso (stickball) was played, and Cherokee people came together to celebrate at Kituwah – the Mother Town of the Cherokee.
LETTER: Yellowhill Baptist Church cemetery is at capacity
Greetings from the Yellowhill Baptist Church, we are writing you this letter to inform you all of a decision that was discussed and agreed upon by the Pastor and the members of the Yellowhill Baptist Church.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: How a pronoun may impact tribal elections
When we started discussing the possibility of having debates among the candidates, one of our stated goals was to turn down the volume of the rhetoric and have the candidates’ voices heard. I think we have done a fair job of doing that over the past decade and a half of tribal elections.
COMMENTARY: Look for the signs of weakness
It just so happens that we are in a season of election of our tribal leadership. And this is not a commentary on whether I think anyone, or any group, is either weak or strong in their leadership mindset.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Better teachers (Part 2 of 2)
Jesus’ love for those He ministered to is not the average Sunday morning churchgoer we see today.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
For Cherokee mom and daughter, sports are a family affair
For Tara Saunooke Alexander and her daughter, Katie Alexander, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, sports are a family affair. Tara, a standout basketball player at AC Reynolds and Clemson University, was recently inducted into the WNC Athletic Hall of Fame. Katie just finished four stellar years playing volleyball at Asheville Christian and received a national award.
ON THE SIDELINES: Cooperation is needed to solve charter school situation
For years, schools in the 1A division of NCHSAA (N.C. High School Athletic Association) have had to play against non-traditional schools (charter schools, prep, etc.) who are able to garner players from all over, not just their geographic area like other schools.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Winston Carl Wolfe Welch
Winston Carl Wolfe Welch, of the Big Cove Community, passed from this earth on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. Winston lived with mental health struggles that, while invisible, were a heavy burden.
OBITUARY: R. Leo James
R. Leo James, 86, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
OBITUARY: Harold George
Harold George, a cherished member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians passed away on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on Sept. 20, 1953, in Cherokee, N.C., Harold led a life filled with love, laughter.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 10-12
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. 3-5
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 Oct. 27-29
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 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.
Cherokee Performing Arts to present “Braves on Broadway”
The Cherokee Performing Arts Program, formerly the Cherokee Musical Theatre, is presenting a night full of song, dance, acting, and more as “Braves on Broadway” will take the stage next month.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm