NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cochran hearing postponed, two more local sheriffs face removal
The pretrial hearing set for Feb. 17 in Cherokee Tribal Court for the sexual abuse case against former Swain Co. Sheriff Curtis Cochran was postponed to June 8. Graham Co. Sheriff Brad Hoxit faces removal due to alleged abuse of power for personal gain, and former Cherokee Co. Sheriff Dustin Smith resigned effective Feb. 6 due to allegations of willful and habitual negligence, both levied by District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Feb. 17)
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.
Noquisiyi Mound deed transfer to EBCI to happen next week
According to officials from the Noquisi Initiative, their organization will transfer the deed to the Noquisiyi (formerly known as Nikwasi) Mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) early next week. The details are still being finalized.
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 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.
Ugvwiyuhi Hicks and Ugvwiyuhi Hoskin Jr. respond to Ann Coulter’s tweet
Following are responses from Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Ugvwiyuhi Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation, to a tweet (right) from Ann Coulter.
COMMENTARY: Reservation Dogs (and Cats)
I routinely travel over Soco Mountain on my commute to and from work. It is a pretty drive during most times of the year, and it is a great time to reflect on and sometimes detoxify from what can be a frustrating, confusing, and thought-provoking workday.
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: 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.
OBITUARY: Charles Ray Elders
Charles Ray Elders, 82, of Whittier, N.C., went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 20, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee Zombie Run scheduled for Oct. 28
The 2017 Cherokee Zombie Run will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4:30-6pm in the Cherokee Cultural District.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 6-8
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 Sept. 29 – Oct. 1
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
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.
“Unto These Hills” closes for season, presents staff awards
The 2018 season of the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” closed on Saturday, Aug. 18.
Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers are set to play the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Nov. 9 at 9pm.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm