NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
13 million visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023
Last week, the National Park Service announced that 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4 percent over 2022.
MMIW: Ruby Sky Montelongo
Ruby Sky Montelongo, a 16-year-old member of the EBCI, was found beaten to death in April 2023. Her uncle, Gerald “Lij” Britton, discovered her body in a field in Mendocino County, Calif.
Allen appointed as new Jackson County Board of Elections director of elections
The Jackson County Board of Elections has announced the appointment of Amanda Allen as the new director of elections effective Monday, Feb. 26. The decision to appoint Allen was a unanimous decision of the Board.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Thompson recognized by First Peoples Fund for artistic excellence
Mary Welch Thompson, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from the Big Cove Community, has been selected to receive a prestigious art award. She is one of four recipients in Indian Country to receive the 2023 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award given by the First Peoples Fund.
EBCI tribal members chosen for Indigenous Leadership Academy
Two members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have been selected to participate in the Indigenous Leadership Academy through the Arizona State University (ASU) American Indian Policy Institute. Devyn Smith and Tevis Blankenship were chosen for the Spring 2023 cohort program.
Little Free Library dedicated and funded at Dora Reed Children’s Center
CHEROKEE, N.C. – Tuesday, Jan. 24 marked the dedication ceremony for the now-named Vonne and Shih-Rong Little Free Library located at the Dora Reed Children’s Center.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
LETTER: The NCGA’s loss is the EBCI’s gain
With Governor Roy Cooper agreeing to, but not signing the State Budget, the NCGA (North Carolina General Assembly) can now begin to close shop for the 2023 legislative session.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Sanctification: Total faith and dependence on God
Are we shouting with each person over what God’s already done for them? One of these days, that person will want to shout with us as we’ve begun to “set ourselves apart” for the glory of the Lord. None of us would want to be called a “vessel of dishonor” or said to be pursuing and seeking only a worldly view.
EDITORIAL: Kituwah should be designated a World Heritage Site
Kituwah, the Mother Town of the Cherokee, located just outside of Cherokee, N.C. near Bryson City, N.C, is an ancient, sacred site. This site should be deemed a World Heritage Site – making it the 26th property in the United States with such a designation.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: What a season for the Lady Braves
This year’s Cherokee Lady Braves varsity volleyball team did that and made history this season. Finishing the season at 13-11 (6-4 in Smoky Mountain Conference), the team qualified for the 1A state playoffs for the first time in school history.
ON THE SIDELINES: It’s past time to look at high school officiating
Referee jokes have been around for as long as sports have been, and many fans would swear that some refs are blinder than I am without my glasses. But all jokes aside, strides need to be made here in the state of North Carolina when it comes to officiating for high school sports.
CROSS COUNTRY: Braves win Smoky Mountain Conference title
On a beautiful fall day, the Cherokee Braves varsity cross country team won some hardware. With a score of 37, they edged the Swain Co. Maroon Devils (44) to win the high school boys Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) title at the conference meet held at Kituwah on the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 20.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Edith Marie Taylor McCall
Edith Marie Taylor McCall, born March 1, 1967, departed this world to her New Home on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. She was a member of Cherokee Acquoni Baptist Church.
OBITUARY: Margaret Ann Green McCall
Margaret Ann Green McCall, 80, went to heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 at Harris Regional Medical Center.
OBITUARY: Charles Edwin McCoy
Charles Edwin McCoy, age 92, has “gone to the big job.” He peacefully transitioned to the next chapter on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born on Oct. 15, 1931, in Cherokee, N.C., Charles was the son of Jesse and Ethel Owle McCoy.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 24-26
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 March 17-19
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.
Cherokee Days to be held at National Museum of the American Indian
This spring, visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Cherokees.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Jay Leno to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Jay Leno is scheduled to play the Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30pm.
Boston to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Boston is set to play Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center on Friday, May 22.
Merle Haggard to play Harrah’s Cherokee in June
Classic country icon Merle Haggard returns to Cherokee for one night, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, on Saturday, June 6.
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801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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