NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Bill introduced into U.S. House to grant federal acknowledgement to Haliwa-Saponi
A bill has been introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives in the 119th Congress that would grant federal acknowledgment to the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe of North Carolina, a state-recognized group.
Planning Board approves plan to repurpose Cherokee Fitness Complex Pool
In an effort to save money on repairs, the Planning Board of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has approved a plan to repurpose the pool at the Cherokee Fitness Complex. EBCI Secretary of Education Sky Sampson presented the plan to the Board during its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 22, and it was approved unanimously.
Honoring Our Values, Empowering Our People: RKLI receives support from Cherokee Preservation Foundation
The Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI), a department of the Cherokee Boys Club, has been awarded a $336,872 grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to further its mission of creating a community of selfless leaders deeply rooted in Cherokee culture for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Senior Spotlight: Nevayah Panther
Nevayah Panther is a senior at Cherokee High School (CHS) from Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) and Kolanvyi (Big Cove). She is the daughter of Jennifer Wildcatt and Deino Panther.
Wasdi Iga (Ramp Day) with the U.S. National Forest Service
On Thursday, March 27, the United States National Forest extended an exciting invitation to forage ramps at Standing Indian, located just beyond Franklin, N.C. The elders, eager to embrace this opportunity, quickly signed up.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this critical issue that affects too many, especially within Native American communities.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: I miss church
I know the arguments and understand the desire to attract those ‘in the world’ to attend church with entertainment. But have we become so much like the world that it is hard to tell the difference? Have we lost our salt? Is our light like every other street light shining without brightness?
COMMENTARY: Sovereignty between a rock and a hard place
Over my years with the tribe, I have been a witness to a lot of chest-thumping over Indian sovereignty. From top tribal leadership to the lowest common denominator, we take pride in our perceived freedom.
THE GOOD STUFF: Hugh Lambert serves with a smile and soulful spirit
The ever-present smile and positive attitude of Hugh Lambert is endearing to all who meet him. He is quick with a joke and a funny story but also very focused on serving his people and community of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: Three CHS runners qualify for state meet
Three Cherokee High School (CHS) runners placed at the 1A West Regional Cross Country championship held at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 26 and have qualified for the 1A State Championship meet. Ogana Swimmer, Dvdaya Swimmer, and Livia Crowe all qualified for the state meet set for Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, N.C.
FOOTBALL: Braves move up in SMC with second consecutive shutout
The Cherokee Braves (5-2) have moved into second place in the Smoky Mountain Conference following their second consecutive shutout in a row. The Braves defeated the Hayesville Yellow Jackets 22-0 at Ray Kinsland Stadium on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 and sit in second place in the SMC behind Murphy (7-1).
FOOTBALL: Braves dominate on both sides of the ball in win over Andrews
The Cherokee Braves (4-3) amassed 363 offensive yards as they blanked the Andrews Wildcats (4-2) by a score of 27-0 on the chilly evening of Friday, Oct. 11 at Ray Kinsland Stadium.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Verlon A. McCoy
Verlon A. McCoy, age 85, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025. He is the son of the late, Lola (McCoy) Queen and Herman Lambert.
OBITUARY: Jack “Ray” Blankenship
Jack “Ray” Blankenship, 86, of Cherokee went home Thursday, April 3, 2025. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Roy and Georgia Goforth Blankenship.
OBITUARY: Allen “Leonard” Tolley
Allen “Leonard” Tolley, born on Oct. 6, 1942, to the late William “Dink” and Olive Maney “Ollie” Tolley, of Cherokee, walked into his eternal reward, April 1, 2025, He was a dedicated individual and a proud veteran of the US Army.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee artist to show at Rotunda Gallery in Sylva
A showing of new works and a series of prints by Jenean Hornbuckle, a landscape painter, will open at the Rotunda Gallery in the Sylva Library on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a reception sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council and Sequoyah Fund.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Dec. 6-8
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 Nov. 28 – Dec. 1
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
Cherokee musicians featured in new album with N.C. artists
Blue Ridge Music Trails released an album in November of 2023 titled, “Fine Tuned: Volume One” featuring artists from western North Carolina to highlight the musical traditions of the region. Keaw’e Bone and Jarrett Wildcatt, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), collaborated on a song on the album titled, “Three Demons.”
Braves showcase Broadway in fifth annual show
Songs and dances from Broadway filled the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the evening of Friday, Dec. 8. Students in the Cherokee Central Schools Dance and Musical Theatre Program put on the 5th Annual Braves on Broadway show.
EBCI ARTIST PROFILE: Jody Bradley Lipscomb
For Jody Bradley Lipscomb, her art is a way to connect with and educate others about her heritage. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), she has shown her paintings in numerous exhibits and shows and currently has several pieces in the “This Land Calls Us Home” at the Atlanta Airport.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm