NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
EBCI tribal legislative updates (Feb. 5)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Asst. Editor CHEROKEE, N.C. – The One Feather will now provide regular legislative updates on various pieces of legislation of the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The focus will be on...
Sleight and Roland child abuse cases schedule update
In August 2024, Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, then 78, who was employed as Santa at Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo in Cherokee, was arrested by Cherokee Indian Police Department on 13 child abuse charges including two counts of aggravated sexual abuse; two counts of sexual abuse; two counts of abusive sexual contact; three counts of offensive touching; two counts of contributing to the delinquency, undiscipline, neglect, or abuse of minors; and two counts of child abuse in the first degree.
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.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI Community Clubs win WNC Honors
Several Community Clubs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians won in categories at the recent WNC Honors Awards, a program of WNC Communities. The Wolftown Community Club won the Impact Award.
Women’s History Month: Maker of War
Lambert encourages women of all ages and skill levels to participate and gears the workout toward their specific needs—whether that be to match their skill level or nurse certain injuries. Lambert hopes that the women who attend her class leave feeling empowered and strong.
Sneed’s art shown in exhibit at Hickory Museum of Art
Lenoir-Rhyne University students participated in an exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art recently entitled “The Art of Profession” which featured students in the Advanced Studio Practices, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) was one of those featured. Tishara Sneed, an EBCI tribal member who also has Dine’ (Navajo) heritage, displayed three ceramic masks for the exhibit.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Back to work
For many years, I led groups of maintenance technicians in a public school system. I was fortunate that many on each team were Christians. Occasionally, people need counseling when they become discouraged.
THE GOOD STUFF: Always a hero
I was in the process of writing my weekly Good Stuff column on a Cherokee hero when I got an email from a funeral home. It was the obituary for a hero of mine and many others – PFC Reuben Taylor, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
COMMENTARY: Hard truths – hirings and appointments
We have heard our tribal governmental administration say on multiple occasions that they prioritize hiring tribal members for tribal government positions. This commitment benefits every enrolled member, at least on the surface.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
BASKETBALL: McMillan signs to play at East Central C.C.
Leilaya McMillan, a senior member of the Cherokee Lady Braves basketball team, will continue her basketball career at East Central Community College in Decatur, Miss. She signed a letter of intent during an event held in the Charles George Memorial Arena on the morning of Wednesday, March 30.
Over 1,500 participate in Opening Day Fish Tournament in Cherokee
A total of 1,573 anglers registered for the Opening Day Fish Tournament held in Cherokee on March 26-27 according to EBCI Fisheries & Wildlife Management. A total of 271 tagged fish were released with 112 of those being turned in. In all, 96 anglers turned in tags for a total cash payout of $4,025.
TRACK & FIELD: Cherokee participates in Robbinsville meet
The Cherokee High School (CHS) track and field team traveled to Robbinsville High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 23 to participate in a four-school meet along with Swain Co. and Hayesville. Following are results, per nc.milesplit, of all of CHS’s participants:
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Clint Arneach
Clint Arneach passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital after an extended illness.
OBITUARY: Reba Rattler
Reba Rattler, 78 of the Snowbird Community, gained her heavenly wings the morning of Monday, April 7, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
OBITUARY: Joyce Elaine Bradley
Joyce Elaine Bradley passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Memorial Mission Hospital. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Joyce leaves behind a legacy of care, kindness, and quiet strength.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 21-23
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 Oct. 14-16
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 Oct. 7-9
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
Masters of Illusion – Live! coming to Harrah’s Cherokee
Masters of Illusion Live! will play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The Doobie Brothers to play Harrah’s Cherokee
The Doobie Brothers are scheduled to play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, Sept. 11.
Steve Miller Band to play Harrah’s Cherokee
The Steve Miller Band is set to play Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 8pm.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm














