NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
DOI directs Lumbee to go through Congress
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a state-recognized group, was the subject of a Presidential Memorandum on Jan. 23, 2025 regarding its bid for federal acknowledgement. The memorandum directed the Department of Interior (DOI) to develop a plan, within 90 days, “to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms”.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Aug. 19)
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.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Qualla-Ween in Scare-okee: A month of spooky fun for the whole family
This October, Cherokee invites you to celebrate Qualla-Ween in Scare-okee, a month-long series of family-friendly and spooky events. From haunted experiences rooted in Cherokee legends to kid-friendly crafts and trick-or-treating, this is a Halloween celebration like no other. Enjoy a mix of history, culture, and fun throughout the month as Cherokee transforms into Scare-okee.
2024 Spooky Story Contest specs
112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair celebrates “The Adventure of the Aniyvwayahi” Theme
The 112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair is fast approaching, running from Oct. 1-5. This year’s theme, “Adventures of Aniyvwiyahi: The Principal People,” celebrates the remarkable journeys of our ancestors and the ongoing triumphs of the Cherokee people today.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
EDITORIAL: Brown University’s land donation to “Pokanoket Indian Tribe” highlights issues with unrecognized groups
Two weeks before Thanksgiving, Brown University officially transferred 255 acres of its Mount Hope property to a preservation trust established by the Pokanoket Indian Tribe. That sounds great, right? Well, the issue is that, officially, there is no Pokanoket Indian Tribe.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Take your pick
Consider Mary and Joseph’s story in the Bible. They intended to get married and live happily ever after. Then God, through His messengers, changed their lives in ways they could not have imagined. God has a way of getting His way through changing our ways. Maybe you have a story like that.
COMMENTARY: We want your input. The community needs you.
While the tribal government recognizes the need for free speech and a free press, they sometimes balk at the release of information that, by all measurements, belongs to the members of our tribe.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WRESTLING: 1A West Regional results
Following are the results, per trackwrestling.com, for the NCHSAA 1A West Regional meet held at Alleghany High School in Sparta on Saturday, Feb. 12:
FOOTBALL: Bradley signs to play college football at Carson-Newman
Don Bradley, senior quarterback for the Cherokee Braves, signed a letter of intent on Wednesday, Feb. 2 – National Signing Day – to play football this fall at Carson-Newman University.
WRESTLING: Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament results
Following are the full results, per trackwrestling.com, from the Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament held at Swain Co. High School on Saturday, Jan. 22:
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Janice Gayle (Smith) Wilnoty
Janice Gayle (Smith) Wilnoty, age 53, of the Big Cove Community, passed away on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 at Mission Hospital. She is the daughter of the late Vaughn Smith and Malinda Smith-Mahan
OBITUARY: Bertha Mathews Pilkington
Bertha Mathews Pilkington, 82, of the Towstring Community, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Seab and Floy Lambert Mathews and wife of the late Buddy Pilkington.
OBITUARY: Agnes Irene Price Gerding
Agnes I. Gerding went peacefully to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the age of 94.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee Nation calendar of events for March
The Cherokee Nation is hosting several events in March, including the tribe’s annual Public School Appreciation Day and the start of community language classes. See all Cherokee Nation calendar items below.
Park announces Solar Eclipse Event
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced event plans for the Great American Total Eclipse occurring on Monday, Aug. 21.
Upcoming Pow Wows for March 3-5
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
Larry the Cable Guy to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Larry the Cable Guy is set to play two shows at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm.
Shinedown to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Shinedown is set to play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts are scheduled to play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Aug. 21.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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