NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 27)
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.
CCS aligned with BIE strategic direction
On Jan. 20, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) shared the 2024-2030 strategic direction of the BIE. The full strategic direction focuses on strengthening student success through cultural instruction, which Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) superintendent Consuela Girty says is already in motion for the school system.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CHS expands Cultural Arts Programming
Beginning August 2025, CHS (Cherokee High School) Cultural Arts students will begin learning how to make ribbon skirts. This exciting addition builds on their current instruction in Cherokee baskets, pottery, finger weaving, and beadwork. The Cultural Arts class, taught by Lori Reed, is offered to all Cherokee High School students as an elective.
Running for hope: McCoy doing transcontinental run
McCoy, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), has been doing a Transcontinental Run from San Diego, Calif. to Wilmington, N.C. to raise money for RezHOPE Recovery & Consulting Services and to raise awareness for recovery from drug addiction and mental health challenges.
CIHA welcomes new administrator of Tsali Care Center
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is proud to announce Michelle Tenhengel-deVille as the facility’s new administrator. With an impressive background in nursing leadership and executive healthcare management, she brings a wealth of experience, vision, and compassion to this vital role in our community.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: A TDA has been the right answer for our Tribe all along
I am going to travel to some old ground today. I have advocated for a Chamber of Commerce or a tourism development authority for our tribal community for decades. The concept works in almost every municipality in the country.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Are you saved? Part 2 of 2
Questions often remain in people’s minds about Salvation and whether they have it or others have it. It is usually based upon the judgment of others when a living testimony fails in the eyes of the beholder and judge.
COMMENTARY: Campaign season is upon us
We often joke (sometimes it isn’t a joke) that our politicians on the Qualla Boundary are in perpetual campaign mode. After all, with a 24-month election cycle, long-term planning and execution can be challenging to say the least.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
INDOOR TRACK: Swain County women repeat as East Burke men claim their first team title
NCHSAA Release (One Feather staff contributed to this report) WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Swain County women made it back-to-back state Indoor titles with a convincing 83.5-61 victory over second place Cummings at the 1A/2A Indoor Track & Field State...
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...
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Idalee Inez Huskey
Idalee Inez Huskey, a faithful servant of the Lord, cherished mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and beloved pillar of the Cherokee, N.C. community, went home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2025. She was 88 years old.
OBITUARY: Nancy Chiltoskie
Nancy Chiltoskie, youngest daughter of Watty and Tennie Chiltoskie, passed away on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
OBITUARY: James Edwards Mills
Fisherman, husband, son, father, grandfather, friend, U.S. Public Health Service Captain, and founder of “Raven Fork Rods” James Edwards Mills, 84, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025 after a brief and sharp bout with cancer.
HAPPENINGS
Native Pop exhibit, workshops coming to Cherokee
Native Pop is a native art collaborative that combines contemporary art styles, bright vibrant colors, and social commentary to highlight modern day Native America.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 20-22
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. 13-15
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
“We’re Still Here”: Cherokee Chamber Singers to perform with N.C. Symphony
In a remarkable collaboration, the Cherokee Chamber Singers will perform seven shows with the North Carolina Symphony in October and will bring a very important message with them.
Cherokee-inspired sculpture unveiled
The Cherokee language and syllabary were the inspiration for a new iron sculpture unveiled the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 21 on the campus of Western Carolina University.
Messages from the Drum: Tribal member launches web radio show
Beverly Bushyhead, MA, MPA, is combating the notion that Native Americans and First Nations people are extinct.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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