NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Un-redacted Consent Agenda from January School Board
On Jan. 12, the Cherokee Centrals Schools Board of Education voted to un-redact names from their consent agenda after a two-week period, long enough for employees to provide a two-week notice to their previous employers.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Jan. 27)
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.
CCS aligned with BIE strategic direction
On Jan. 20, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) shared the 2024-2030 strategic direction of the BIE. The full strategic direction focuses on strengthening student success through cultural instruction, which Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) superintendent Consuela Girty says is already in motion for the school system.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Logo designed to honor Cherokee Code Talkers
“The language we were forbidden to speak is the same language that helped save the United States of America”
CIHA’s new Occupational Therapy Services provides access to care for patients with Arthritis
May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, bringing attention to one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting adults in the United States. For many, arthritis can make everyday activities – like getting dressed, cooking, or even holding a cup – more difficult and sometimes painful. While there is no cure, there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain independence, and one important resource is Occupational Therapy (OT).
SCC recognizes Ugvwiyuhi Hicks for Distinguished Alumni Award
Michell Hicks, Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been named the recipient of Southwestern Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER: Reflections on Memorial Day
I was privileged to attend our Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26. It was beautifully done and overwhelming in its significance.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: An old African Proverb
Many people decline to participate in the ministry because they feel they have nothing to offer. They are not speakers, teachers, leaders, or educators, and they do not think they are a vital part of the body of Christ.
COMMENTARY: Truth and Transparency in Journalism
I can understand how frustrating it must be to be a government official these days. In a world where even the most delicate item about a person’s personal life can be easily “pulled up” on a website or social media page, readers can find out most things about most people and things in a few moments of research online.
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: Robert Cooper
Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
OBITUARY: Billy Ray Jones
Billy Ray Jones, 89, of Sylva, North Carolina was called home on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born in Sylva, N.C., on March 30, 1936, he was the son of the late Maudie Wykle and Aude Jones. He was the third oldest of nine brothers.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Sept. 1-4
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 Aug. 25-27
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 Aug. 17-20
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
Darius Rucker and ZZ Top to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Darius Rucker is scheduled to play Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Sept. 22 at 9pm, and ZZ Top is set to play there on Friday, Oct. 6 at 9pm. Rucker, the former front man from the 90's smash hit band, Hootie and the Blowfish, turned his...
Art installation set up on Island
Sometimes art is created and lasts millennia, and sometimes art is created and lasts momentarily. The latter was the case on Saturday, July 1 as two artists, Jeff Marley and Frank Brannon, set up an installation among the bamboo on the Oconaluftee Island Park.
Native American art exhibit receives NEA grant
The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded a $25,000 grant in support of a contemporary Native American art exhibit scheduled for display at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum from Aug. 1 through Dec. 8.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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