NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Oct. 6)
The One Feather provides 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.
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.
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
COMMENTARY: Fire Prevention Week continues emphasis on charging batteries safely
Every year in early October, many state insurance departments join the National Fire Prevention Association and fire departments across the county in observing National Fire Prevention Week.
COMMENTARY: News media publishers are elbow-deep in replacing writers with AI
Early on, the Cherokee One Feather decided to restrict the use of Artificial Intelligence to write news articles for our community’s newspaper. In fact, One Feather decided that we would not use any material that we are responsible for generating that had elements of AI in it. This was a stand that we took on principle.
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.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Braves new head coach working to build a program and consistency
On a cooler-than-usual late spring morning, the sounds of football could be heard from Ray Kinsland Stadium. The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) were going through warm-ups and position drills – gearing up for the 2026 campaign under a new head coach, T.C. Guyer.
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
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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