NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cherokee Preservation Foundation announces $3.3 million in 2025 Spring Grants
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation awarded 12 grants to partners in western North Carolina, totaling more than $3.3 million. The grants were awarded to projects advancing the Foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and neighboring communities.
Economic wellness discussed at the EBCI Town Hall Meeting
EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Taline Ugvwiyu (Vice Chief) Alan B. Ensley presided over a town hall meeting at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the Cherokee Central Schools campus in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Tuesday, June 24.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 25, 2025)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Great Smoky Mountains National Park team wins national award for Seeking Paths in Nature education program
A team of Great Smoky Mountains National Park employees was recently awarded the 2023 Excellence in Education Award at a National Park Service awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Many of the agency’s top awards were presented at the 2023 National Service Awards ceremony.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Pharmacy earns two prestigious Indian Health Service Awards
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced that its Pharmacy Department has been honored with two prestigious Indian Health Service (IHS) Director’s Awards, recognizing the outstanding achievements of both the Inpatient and Outpatient Pharmacy Teams.
EBCI WIC Program receives Breastfeeding Award of Excellence
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) WIC program has been honored with the prestigious Breastfeeding Award of Excellence Gold status, making it the only agency in the Southeast Region to receive this recognition.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER: Statement from EBCI demands apology from Senator Tillis for offensive remarks
Last week, Senator Thom Tillis launched an emotional tirade on the Senate floor, targeting hundreds of tribal leaders and respected Native organizations with baseless accusations.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Thankful that He thinks of us
I am inspired and awestruck when I try to imagine the grandeur of our God. When I am down or lonely, depressed, or confused, I think about how God is there to lean on anytime, all the time. God is good, and these verses are meant to remind us.
COMMENTARY: The importance of giving thanks and those desperate to help
I have had a roller coaster ride with my emotions over the past two months. Sept. 27, 2024, will forever be in my memory and my wife’s. It was the day that we lost our home of 36 years to the flood waters of Hurricane Helene.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Braves defense comes up strong in road win at Rosman
Cherokee’s defense came up big in their first road trip of the year. The Braves defense, led by Luke Climbingbear and Mato Grant with 11 and 8 tackles respectively, held Rosman to 144 total yards on the night as Cherokee got their first win of the year 34-8 over the Tigers.
JV FOOTBALL: Black Knights edge Braves by a two-point conversion
The fans at Ray Kinsland Stadium got their money’s worth on Thursday, Sept. 8 as the Cherokee JV Braves (2-2) took on the visiting Robbinsville JV Black Knights.
CROSS COUNTRY: CHS Braves, CMS Lady Braves win at home meet
Cherokee Central Schools hosted a multi-school cross country meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 7, and two of its teams won in their division.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Francisco Esparza Jr.
Francisco Esparza Jr., age 50, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at Mission Hospital after a brief illness.
OBITUARY: Amanda Lee Beck Bevis
Amanda Lee Beck Bevis, 82, of the Qualla Community, passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at her residence.
OBITUARY: Justin Ray Queen
Justin Ray Queen, 23, of Cherokee NC, had a change of address on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. He no longer resides in Cherokee but is now living in his heavenly home with his Maker and King.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee Nation to celebrate 65th Cherokee National Holiday
The Cherokee Nation will host the 65th Cherokee National Holiday this Labor Day weekend when more than 100,000 visitors travel to Tahlequah to experience the annual celebration of history, culture and art.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 3-6
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 July 27-30
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
Bret Michaels to play Harrah’s Cherokee with Warrant, FireHouse
Bret Michaels and Special Guests Warrant and FireHouse will present their “The Party Starts Now” show at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:20pm.
Tribal member named NACF Fellow
Luzene Hill, an EBCI tribal member, is known worldwide for her out-of-the-box visual arts.
Styx slated to play Harrah’s Cherokee in October
Styx is scheduled to play Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:30pm.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm


















