NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (March 4)
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.
“It is a part of us”: Noquisiyi Mound deed signing ceremony held
Elaine Eisenbraun, executive director of the Noquisiyi Initiative, began the celebration with a short narrative of the long road to transferring the Noquisiyi Mound back into the hands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Groundbreaking held for The Boundary Bingo & Slots
The bingo operation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, and it never reopened. Now, a new facility is being constructed on Tsali Blvd. on a piece of property that has previously been a movie theater and was most recently a home furnishing store.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute to celebrate Alumni Week and announces International Conference Opportunity
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI) is proud to share two exciting updates that reflect their continued commitment to culturally based leadership development for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
Code Purple: A Community Response
Jeff Helpman, pastor of The Grove Church on Franklin Grove in Bryson City, heads a Code Purple warming center at his church with the help of his wife, Jodi Helpman, who is graduating this May from Western Carolina University’s Master of Social Work program.
CLMAP receives Impact Award from WCU
The Cherokee Language Master Apprentice Program (CLMAP) 2025 cohort has worked closely with Western Carolina University (WCU) School of Art and Design assistant professor Tatiana Potts and her printmaking classes to create a series of children’s books for Cherokee language and cultural learning.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Soldier’s Perspective – Part 3
I know you are not reading this for a history lesson on the life of a Roman soldier but now think about what Paul was saying when he wrote this. As soldiers for Christ, we must be willing and ready as dedicated and enlisted soldiers for His work 24/7 and not be distracted by our civilian life.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: Crowe, Swimmer win at Bulldog XC Meet
The Cherokee High School (CHS) and Middle School (CMS) cross country teams traveled to Murphy for the Bulldog XC Meet on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 24. Ogana Swimmer, CMS Braves, won the middle school boy’s race with a time of 11:52.22, and Livia Crowe, CMS Lady Braves, won the middle school girl’s race with a time of 13:28.49.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee athletes run well in meet held at Kituwah
The early morning fog was rising above the fields at Kituwah, the Mother Town of the Cherokee, as hundreds of cross country runners took to the course on Saturday, Sept. 17.
FOOTBALL: East Gaston defeats Braves 13-7
PHOTOS by SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Staff East Gaston Warriors 13 Cherokee Braves 7 Friday, Sept. 16; Ray Kinsland Stadium PHOTO ALBUM: Cherokee vs East Gaston SCORING SUMMARY 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 7:20 - CHEROKEE: Chase Calhoun 1-yard run,...
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 May 12-14
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 May 5-7
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 April 28-30
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
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.
Foreigner to play Harrah’s Cherokee in September
Foreigner is set to play the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7:30pm.
Lynyrd Skynyrd to play Harrah’s Cherokee in September
The definitive Southern Rock group, Lynyrd Skynyrd, returns to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center for one night only on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 7pm.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm


















