NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cherokee Preservation Foundation announces $3.3 million in 2025 Spring Grants
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation awarded 12 grants to partners in western North Carolina, totaling more than $3.3 million. The grants were awarded to projects advancing the Foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and neighboring communities.
Economic wellness discussed at the EBCI Town Hall Meeting
EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) Taline Ugvwiyu (Vice Chief) Alan B. Ensley presided over a town hall meeting at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the Cherokee Central Schools campus in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Tuesday, June 24.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 25, 2025)
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CPF gives grant funding to culturally-based leadership programs
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) has awarded the Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (RKLI), $384,500 and its college undergraduate program, the Jones-Bowman Leadership Award Program, $153,000.00 to carry out their mission to create a community of life-long, selfless leaders deeply rooted in Cherokee culture.
Cherokee Historical Association and the Center for Cultural Preservation to host Cherokee cultural event and film screening
Cherokee Historical Association has partnered with the Center for Cultural Preservation to screen “Nature’s Wisdom Thru Native Eyes”, by award winning documentary filmmaker David Weintraub.
Cherokee Middle School 4th Quarter Honor Rolls
Cherokee Middle School 4th Quarter Honor Rolls
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The devil made me do it. (Part 1 of 2
The title is far from being original. Flip Wilson, a well-known comedian, made the phrase a tag title for jokes and commentaries and probably about a zillion sermons and devotions back in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
COMMENTARY: Don’t shorten the primary process
I think allowing the primary period to be shortened further distances the community from the process of electing tribal officials and discourages qualified but lesser-known candidates from attempting to seek office. Similarly, the Election Board is asking for the filing period to be reduced to five days.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The New Covenant
The Old Covenant, initiated by God, who cannot lie or deceive, was with Abraham’s family.
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: Melissa Belle Garcia
Melissa Belle Garcia, 52, of the Painttown Community, went to her Heavenly Home on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
OBITUARY: Misty Marie Blythe
Misty Marie Blythe passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
OBITUARY: Paiton C. Rickman
Paiton C. Rickman, age 28, of the Yellow Hill Community, Cherokee, N.C., passed away Wednesday (Oct. 30, 2024) evening unexpectedly at his residence. Paiton was a beautiful soul with a contagious smile who left this world too soon.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 4-6
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.
Things to Do in Cherokee for November
Things to Do in Cherokee for the month of November
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 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
Tribal member named NACF director of programs
In a national search, the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation has selected Francene Blythe, an EBCI tribal member, to succeed as director of programs.
Jack Hanna bringing show to Harrah’s Cherokee
Jack Hanna is bringing his Into the Wild Live show to Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center on Saturday, June 13.
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.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm













