NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cherokee Fire & Rescue Dept. commended for high state rating
Following a recent inspection by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, the Cherokee Fire & Rescue Dept. (CFD) has received a rating that ranks them in the top percentages in both the state and the nation.
Swain Co. man sentenced to 49 years in prison on various drug offenses
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced the successful prosecution of a Swain County man on drug trafficking charges on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Cherokee Supreme Court releases order reversing Election Board decision on Lambert candidacy for Birdtown Council
On the morning of July 10 in Cherokee Tribal Court, the Cherokee Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Cherokee Board of Elections to disqualify Patrick Henry Lambert from candidacy in the 2025 Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) election.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
THE GOOD STUFF: Ava Walkingstick receives One Feather Student of the Year Award
An outstanding young Cherokee woman has been named the inaugural winner of the Cherokee One Feather Student of the Year Award. The award was presented to Ava Walkingstick, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a rising junior at Cherokee High School (CHS), during the Reports to Council session on the morning of Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Cherokee High School 4th quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee High School 4th quarter Honor Roll
Cherokee Preservation Foundation hosts 17th annual Cherokee Day of Caring
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation with the support of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, and the Offices of the Principal Chief and Vice Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) came together collaboratively for the 17th annual Day of Caring on May 15.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: An old African Proverb
Many people decline to participate in the ministry because they feel they have nothing to offer. They are not speakers, teachers, leaders, or educators, and they do not think they are a vital part of the body of Christ.
COMMENTARY: Truth and Transparency in Journalism
I can understand how frustrating it must be to be a government official these days. In a world where even the most delicate item about a person’s personal life can be easily “pulled up” on a website or social media page, readers can find out most things about most people and things in a few moments of research online.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: A Soldier’s Perspective – Part 3
I know you are not reading this for a history lesson on the life of a Roman soldier but now think about what Paul was saying when he wrote this. As soldiers for Christ, we must be willing and ready as dedicated and enlisted soldiers for His work 24/7 and not be distracted by our civilian life.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
CROSS COUNTRY: CMS Lady Braves win team title, CHS runners place at SMC Championship
As a chilly, foggy morning air misted over Kituwah, the Mother Town of the Cherokee, Austin Fourkiller-Raby came around the final corner leading the Smoky Mountain Conference middle school girls championship race on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 12.
FOOTBALL: Braves top Mt. Zion in scorefest
For sports fans who like scoring, the place to be was Ray Kinsland Stadium in Cherokee, N.C. on the evening of Friday, Sept. 20. The Cherokee Braves (3-2) topped the Mt. Zion Might Warriors (2-3) by a score of 54-40.
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee runners win at Keith Payne Memorial Invitational meet
The Cherokee Middle School (CMS) Lady Braves team won the Keith Payne Memorial Invitational meet held at Kituwah on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 21. Led by Austin Fourkiller-Raby, who won the middle school girls race with a time of 12:08.43, the CMS Lady Braves won with a score of 33 followed by Smoky Mountain at 59.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Lucy Taylor Bigmeat
Lucy Taylor Bigmeat, 94, of the Painttown Community in Cherokee, N.C., went home to Paradise on June 20, 2025, surrounded by her family members. Born to William Taylor and Cecelia Standingdeer, she lived there until she met the love of her life, Mark Welch Bigmeat, and they made their home in Flint, Michigan, until 1972 before returning to Cherokee.
OBITUARY: Robert Cooper
Robert Cooper, 86, of Cherokee, N.C., passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, at his home while working in his yard.
OBITUARY: Corliss Mikal Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corliss Mikal Johnson, who departed this life on April 11, 2025, at the age of 29. Born on June 25, 1995, in Sylva, N.C., Corliss was a beloved son, father, brother, fiancé, and friend. He lived in Cherokee, N.C., where he dedicated his life to his family and friends.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 22-24
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 Nov. 15-17
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 Christmas Parade 2019 participant information
Cherokee Christmas Parade application form EBCI Waiver - Christmas Parade 2019 Form W-9
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cherokee musicians featured in new album with N.C. artists
Blue Ridge Music Trails released an album in November of 2023 titled, “Fine Tuned: Volume One” featuring artists from western North Carolina to highlight the musical traditions of the region. Keaw’e Bone and Jarrett Wildcatt, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), collaborated on a song on the album titled, “Three Demons.”
Braves showcase Broadway in fifth annual show
Songs and dances from Broadway filled the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the evening of Friday, Dec. 8. Students in the Cherokee Central Schools Dance and Musical Theatre Program put on the 5th Annual Braves on Broadway show.
EBCI ARTIST PROFILE: Jody Bradley Lipscomb
For Jody Bradley Lipscomb, her art is a way to connect with and educate others about her heritage. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), she has shown her paintings in numerous exhibits and shows and currently has several pieces in the “This Land Calls Us Home” at the Atlanta Airport.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm