NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Groundbreaking held for Cherokee Cultural Grounds
Leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) broke ground on the new Cherokee Cultural Grounds in Cherokee, N.C. on the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 12.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 12)
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.
Planning Board holds December meeting
On the afternoon of Dec. 15, 2025, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Project Management and Planning team provided project updates to the Planning Board, led by manager Rebecca Bowe.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Littledave, Stephens receive Frell Owl Award
Sheyahshe Littledave and Ahli-sha Stephens, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, were named the recipients of the prestigious Frell Owl Award during a ceremony at Granny’s Kitchen in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Monday, Dec. 8.
Meet the EBCI’s 2026 Remember the Removal Riders
Following are the riders who will represent the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on the 2026 Remember the Removal (RTR) bicycle ride. The ride will retrace the northern route of the Trail of Tears from New Echota, Ga. to Tahlequah, Okla. Exact dates are not yet available for this year’s ride, but it will occur in June 2026.
Cherokee Preservation Foundation approves a $20,000 award for Planning Grant
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) has approved a $20,000 planning grant to the Southwestern Commission Regional Council of Governments (SWC) led by the Mountain West Partnership (MWP), a division of the SWC. The project will advance sustainable economic development through culturally aligned collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work, Part 2 of 2
Sometimes we might wonder what motivates others to write letters and notes, clean up the messes, stand in the hot sun or cold weather, do the shopping, set up the tents, hand out the bulletins, play music, pull the cables, visit the sick or dying in the hospitals, homes, or hospices.
COMMENTARY: What sovereignty actually means in 2026
As we enter a new year, there have been more public conversations about Tribal sovereignty and that attention creates opportunity. But when important ideas are discussed more widely, it matters that they are understood clearly.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work, Part 1 of 2
Many of us have worked in the ministry alongside hundreds of good people who relished the opportunity to do for others by being the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SOFTBALL: Lossie signs with Montreat College
Amila Lossie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a senior member of the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity softball team, signed a letter to intent to play collegiately for Montreat College during an event held at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Monday, March 24.
SOCCER: Blythe-Ramos signs with Shaw University
Lillian Blythe-Ramos will trade the maroon and gold of Cherokee High School (CHS) for the same colors at the next level. She signed a letter of intent to play collegiate soccer with Shaw University, located in Raleigh, N.C., during a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. on the morning of Tuesday, March 18.
Cherokee dominates All-District selections
Three of the five selections for the NCBCA (North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association) Women’s All-District 12 selections are from Cherokee High School.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Leonard E. Lossiah (Butch)
Leonard E. Lossiah (Butch), 77, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
OBITUARY: Doyle Jack Smith
Doyle Jack Smith, 79, of Bryson City, N.C., passed away surrounded by his family after a 10-month battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a rare and incurable brain cancer.
OBITUARY: Terri Lehua Harrison
Terri Lehua Harrison, 61, of Cherokee, N.C., completed her earthly mission early evening on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for February 2020
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 January 2020
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.
Park to host annual Festival of Christmas Past program
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host the annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE GOOD STUFF: Louise Goings named a Taproot Fellow
Several years ago, Louise Goings told me that she has made literally thousands of baskets during her life. Her work is outstanding, and she has received various honors over the years for her outstanding artistry, and she is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Museum of the Cherokee People announces ‘The Way We See the World’ film lineup
Museum of the Cherokee People has announced the film lineup for its annual Indigenous pop culture event The Way We See the World, held in the Council Fire Ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Aug. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“Grease” is the word: Cherokee Central is heading to Rydell High
The antics of Danny and Sandy and the T-Birds and Pink Ladies will be brought to life by students in an upcoming production by the Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) musical theatre program.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm