NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Tribal Bingo Project back on after construction halt
The Tribal Bingo Project is back on following a halt in construction that lasted a few weeks due to a right-of-way and easement dispute.
Tribal Bingo Project on hold indefinitely
Less than two months after ground was broken on the new bingo operation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), the project has been halted indefinitely.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (April 7)
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
An amazing journey: Keredith “Tooter” Owens has traveled the world dancing, sharing culture
Sitting at a table in the Qualla Boundary Public Library, Keredith “Tooter” Owens looks over a pile of her photographs documenting her career as a fancy shawl dancer at pow wows.
Graceful beauty: Nakoa Chiltoskie enjoys dancing and the camaraderie of pow wows
Nakoa Chiltoskie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, loves the graceful movements of dancing and the camaraderie that pow wows bring. She started dancing at age 7.
“A dream come true:” Hollie Stover dances for her daughter
Hollie Stover, or Usdasdi, is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the office administrator for New Kituwah Academy (NKA) in Cherokee, N.C.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Kinship, not governments, defines the Cherokee People
For centuries, the Cherokee people were united not by a single central government but by kinship, clans, and shared values. Our ancestors built their lives on responsibility to one another, not bureaucracy. Towns governed themselves. What held us together was culture, language, and family bonds. Governments came later.
COMMENTARY: The Matriarch Era
Following the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) primary, I wrote a commentary about the women candidates showing up, showing out, and providing a new hope for the general election.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Compelling devotion, Part 1 of 2
We are called to be courageous Christians. Yes, meek and humble are traits we should aspire to, but forthright, faithful, righteous, and brave as soldiers for Christ are also what Christians should be in the face of evil.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee hosts season-opening meet
Cherokee High School hosted seven other schools for its season-opening meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 8.
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.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lacy Caldwell-Arch
Lacy Caldwell-Arch, age 41, of Waynesville, N.C., passed away on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
OBITUARY: Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee
Violet Louise Bernhisel Lee, 65, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Jean Wahnetah Bernhisel.
OBITUARY: Riley Ledford
Riley Ledford, 82, of the Birdtown Community, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Moses and Cordelia Murphy Ledford.
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


















