NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 5)
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.
US441/Newfound Gap Road closed until further notice due to road damage
US441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed until further notice due to road damage.
Chief Report for June 2025
June was a month of continued progress, service, and reflection. From honoring our history and strengthening our government relationships to celebrating the hard work of our youth and public servants, we stayed focused on building up our Tribe together.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
2024 Kananesgi Art Show winners
The 2024 Kananesgi Art Show was held on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Event Center.
Bob Blankenship ’60 Named NC State College of Education Alumnus of the Year
Tribal Leader. Army helicopter pilot. Trout farmer. Antique car collector. Museum president. Since graduating from the NC State College of Education, it sometimes feels as if there is little Bob Blankenship ’60 has not accomplished over the course of his life and career.
CCS Musical Theatre, Choir preparing for upcoming performances
Beautiful singing voices resonated through The Gathering Place on the campus of Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 6 as the One Feather caught up with some talented students and a familiar teacher.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: A Cherokee Valentine’s Day
My favorite fruit is ani (strawberry), partly because I enjoy them and I grew up with Strawberry Shortcake (the cartoon and the dessert), but mainly because of the Cherokee Legend of the First Strawberry that I first heard in kindergarten in Mrs. Sammi Saunooke’s class.
THE GOOD STUFF: Roger Smoker provides hope to language revitalization
Roger Smoker, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the chairman of the Cherokee Speakers Council, is determined to see the language thrive – not just survive.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Just missed him
The Jews, Muslims, Christians, and the rest of the world may know about Jesus, but this message is dedicated to showing who He is to me and you. JESUS IS LORD!
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WRESTLING: Cherokee vs Murphy, Dec. 13
The Cherokee High School (CHS) varsity wrestling team hosted the Murphy Bulldogs (MHS) on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 13. Following are the results per trackwrestling.com:
WRESTLING: Tri-meet held at Swain County
Cherokee High School and Smoky Mountain High School visited Swain Co. High School for a three-team match on Friday, Dec. 9.
Tribal member gets skateboarding sponsorship
On an overcast early December afternoon, Karson Wildcatt was at the Cherokee Skate Park doing what he loves. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Wildcatt recently picked up a skateboarding sponsorship from Flipside Boardshop in Maggie Valley, N.C.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith
Joy Lee (Sissy) Allison Smith, 69, peacefully entered into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Born on Jan. 17, 1956, in Cherokee, N.C., Joy was the beloved daughter of the late Ronald L. and Roberta Joan Allison.
OBITUARY: Kristin Marie Lane
Kristin Marie Lane, age 40, of the Big Witch Community in Cherokee, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Park Ridge Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
OBITUARY: Edna Rowena Bradley
Edna Rowena Bradley, 76, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Deweese and Edith Welch Bradley.
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
Doobie Brothers heading back to Harrah’s Cherokee in September
The Doobie Brothers are set to play Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7:30pm.
Winners announced from WCU’s Judaculla Art Competition
A 15- by 17-inch linoleum print created by an artist who grew up near Jackson County’s famed Cherokee petroglyph Judaculla Rock was declared the first-place winner in the recent Judaculla Art Competition sponsored by Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Center.
Tribal member tells stories through rap
There is a long-standing tradition of outstanding Cherokee storytellers. That history is continuing on with the new generation, some of which are taking it to new places.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm



















