NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Ugvwiyuhi Social: September
Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks maintains a Facebook page to share public information. This report recaps the postings on his page. These are excerpts. We encourage you to visit the Chief’s page for full content and context.
Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas seeking federal acknowledgement through Congress
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, a state-recognized group based in McAllen, Texas, is seeking federal acknowledgement as an American Indian tribe through a newly-introduced House bill. H.R. 10435 (Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Recognition Act) was introduced by Rep. Vincente Gonzalez (D-Texas) on Sept. 16, 2026.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Pam Straughan joins SCC’s Board of Trustees
Continuing a rich tradition of representation from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), Pam Straughan, an EBCI tribal member of Cherokee, was sworn in as the newest member of Southwestern Community College’s Board of Trustees.
Connecting to a sacred place: Kuwohi Connection Days held
A misty fog hung over Kuwohi (Mulberry Place) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the morning of Taline Iga (Tuesday), Duliisdi (Sept.) 15 as area students attended Kuwohi Connection Day.
10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam largest yet
Wheels were thundering across the concrete as the 10th Annual Cherokee Skate Jam was held at the Ayvdagwalosgiyi (Thunder Place) in Elawodi (Yellowhill) in Cherokee, N.C., on Unadodaquidena (Saturday), Duliisdi (Sept.) 12.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A close call – Part 2 of 8
Heavens Saints is a 35+ year motorcycle ministry founded by a former Hells Angel, Barry Mason.
COMMENTARY: Clowns to the left of me. Jokers to the right in 2026.
In 1972, a band called Stealers Wheel released a song written by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan titled “Stuck in the Middle with You”. It was a parody song, but not nonsensical, and it meant more to many of us than Rafferty and Egan intended.
COMMENTARY: Watch out for insurance fraud’s red flags
Receiving a payout from an insurance company based on a lie is insurance fraud.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee High School Athletic Awards 2025-26
Cherokee High School Athletic Awards 2025-26
ON THE SIDELINES: Joscelyn Stamper breaking records, and she’s not done
Joscelyn Stamper has a calm, kind demeanor that probably surprises a lot of people when they find out just how competitive she is athletically
Three in a row: Lady Braves make history with third consecutive state basketball championship
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) are the 2025-2026 NCHSAA 2A State Champions. The Lady Braves dominated the state game, earning their third state title in a row with the largest winning margin in NCHSAA history for women’s basketball on the evening of Thursday, March 12 in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Sarah N. Toineeta
Sarah N. Toineeta, 45, of the Big Y Community, went to her Heavenly Home unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.
OBITUARY: Dwaine “Flea” George
Dwaine “Flea” George, 46, of the Birdtown Community, passed away peacefully with family by his side Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. A native of Cherokee he was the son of Patty Buchanan of Cherokee.
Mary Louise Martin (Locust)
Mary Louise Martin (Locust), age 91, of Cherokee, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Mountain View of Bryson City after a period of declining health.
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
Tribal member releases new titles in “Angelina the Adventure Cat” book series
Maria E. Lyons, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is expanding on a book series based on her beloved Maine Coon cat, Angelina.
Indigenous Poetry Anthology seeking EBCI writers
Work is currently being solicited for a new contemporary Indigenous poetry anthology from the Wesleyan University Press, and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are being encouraged to submit their work for consideration.
EBCI tribal member selected as Red Earth Artist
Margaret Littlejohn Wakefield, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as an Official Red Earth Festival Artist for the 2026 event. She will display her paintings at the Festival set for Aug. 1-2 at the OKC Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Oka.
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