NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Feb. 3)
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.
This Week in Native News
This Week in Native News
Lumbee Tribe added to official list of Federally Recognized Tribes
The Department of the Interior today (Friday, Jan. 30) affirmed its commitment to tribal sovereignty by adding the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to the official list of federally recognized tribes, formalizing the tribe’s government-to-government relationship with the United States and carrying out federal recognition enacted into law in December 2025.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
SCC, TERO hosts tiny house project
In a continued partnership with the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) in Cherokee, Southwestern Community College has started a class that trains students how to build a tiny house.
Cherokee High School student advocates for mental health
Ava Walkingstick is a sophomore at Cherokee High School (CHS). After losing her best friend and cousin, Cynthia “Mouse” Saunooke, in November 2023, Walkingstick has turned her grief into advocacy.
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 3rd quarter Honor Roll
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: More on tribal radio – Broadcasting would help us share our story and learn our language
Just a few more things about the benefits of the tribe adding a broadcast radio station as a part of our overall media and economic development strategy:
THE GOOD STUFF: Matthew Tooni is passionate about sharing music and language
At last year’s Kituwah Celebration, the gentle sounds of a flute could be heard wisping through the air at the ancient Mother Town of the Cherokee. The beautiful sounds were being performed by Matthew (Matt) Tooni, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who always brings beautiful music and a passion for Cherokee language and culture wherever he goes.
EDITORIAL: “Strengthen Our Tribal Communities Act” is unfair to the EBCI
If a new North Carolina state house bill passes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) would be sharing a portion of its gaming revenues with various state-recognized groups and organizations including the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. The basic premise is ludicrous, but read on.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Atlanta Braves and 7G Foundation to host first-ever Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase
The Atlanta Braves and 7G Foundation will host the first ever Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park on July 16-17. The top 50 high school baseball players of Native American descent from around the country will participate in a pro-style workout on Saturday, July 16 and a showcase game on Sunday, July 17.
Cherokee Central Schools 2021-22 Athletic Awards
Submitted by Cherokee Central Schools Athletics Specialty Awards Charlie Stamper Memorial Academic Athlete: Male – Gideon Freeman and George Saunooke, Female – Julia Layno Barbara Sequoyah Memorial Most Determined Female: Betty Lossiah Ray Owle Memorial...
BASKETBALL: Jordan Arkansas signs with Concordia University Texas
Jordan Arkansas, a Cherokee Braves senior and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will be continuing his basketball journey in the Lone Star State. During a ceremony at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the afternoon of Monday, May 23, he signed a letter of intent to play for the Concordia University Texas (Austin, Texas) Tornados next year.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Barbara J. Robie
Barbara J. Robie, 77, of Cherokee, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 6, 2025. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Mary Queen Jackson.
OBITUARY: Ernest D. Panther
Ernest D. Panther better known as “Ernie”, age 90, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 after an extended illness. He is the son of the late Sam Panther and Emmaline Sequoyah.
OBITUARY: Rex Allen Swayney
Rex Allen Swayney, 65, of Sylva, N.C., passed away on Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, at Vero Health and Rehab of Sylva, N.C., following an extended illness.
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
Erica Nicole to co-headline Cherokee Indian Fair
Erica Nicole is scheduled to be one of the co-headline performers at this year’s Cherokee Indian Fair.
Joey Allcorn to co-headline Cherokee Indian Fair
Joey Allcorn is scheduled to be one of the co-headline performers at this year’s Cherokee Indian Fair.
BOOK REVIEW: Conley’s novella paints vivid picture of Wil Usdi
Through fact and fiction, the late Robert J. Conley, a renouned writer and historian of Cherokee history, recounts the life of Will Holland Thomas in this brief novella.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm