NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Groups seeking federal acknowledgement as an Indian Tribe (September 2026 update)
Each month, the One Feather will give an update on the various groups seeking federal acknowledgment as an Indian Tribe either through Congressional means or by going through the OFA (Office of Federal Acknowledgment) process.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 22)
The One Feather provides 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.
CIPD Arrest Report for Sept. 14-20, 2026
The following people were arrested by the Cherokee Indian Police Department and booked into the Anthony Edward Lossiah Justice Center. It should be noted that the following defendants have only been charged with the crimes listed and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
“It’s who we are”: Cherokee Doula Program continuing to grow
The Cherokee Doula Program has been operating for over a year and is working diligently at bringing back a traditional practice aiding mothers and babies.
A place of wellness and peace: Tohi Edasdi Recovery Community Center has successful first year
Just over a year ago, the Tohi Edasdi Recovery Community Center opened in Wayohi (Wolftown) and has hit the ground running providing services for the recovery community.
Making the right changes: Brian Marsh is trying to better Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort one step at a time
Brian Marsh has been in the gaming industry for 30 years, managing properties from Missouri to Tennessee and getting them on track to success. Now, he is the senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: What motivates you? Part 1 of 3
The various forms of pride in humans are Satan’s sneakiest sins.
COMMENTARY: More on the importance of free speech
It is amazing how quickly and easily we (yes, I am lumping humanity together; my apologies if you are offended) move to a mentality of suppressing free speech when we fear the message/messenger or disagree with it or them. I am not talking about vulgar or hateful speech; just an opposing viewpoint.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Unbelievable, Part 2 of 2
Recently, my wife and I took a brief vacation and drove to Kentucky to visit and tour The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. If you ever get a chance to go, I highly recommend it.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Indoor Track & Field: Swimmer sets record as Cherokee participates in Swain County Polar meet
Cherokee High School’s (CHS) indoor track team participated in the Swain County Polar meet held at the Swain Co. High School Track on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
WRESTLING: Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) win SMC Championship
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) won the women’s Smoky Mountain Conference Wrestling Championship on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 22 at Cherokee High School which hosted both the men’s and women’s championship.
BASKETBALL: Hicks signs with Pfeiffer University
Marlee Hicks, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and a senior on the Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity basketball team, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Pfeiffer University next season.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Otis Tushka
Otis Tushka, 88, born Sept. 18, 1937, of the Big Y Community, formerly of Broken Bow, Okla., passed away peacefully the morning of Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at Tsali Care Center. He was 4/4 Choctaw, and fluent in Choctaw.
OBITUARY: Harold Dean Adams
Harold Dean Adams, 76, of Bryson City, N.C., passed away from this world on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Ethel and G.T. Adams of the Kirklands Creek Community.
OBITUARY: Douglas Eugene Ashe
Douglas Eugene Ashe, 65, of Franklin, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at his residence after a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 28 – Dec. 1
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. 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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Alea Martens will make modeling debut at Kananesgi
The Kananesgi Fashion Show will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on Saturday, Nov. 8, and Alea Martens, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), will make her modeling debut. She will model clothes by Mrs. Freida Saylor, an EBCI tribal member and designer.
Behind the designs: Alex Lane returns to the Kananesgi Fashion Show
Alexandria Lane is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the manager of visitor services for the Museum of the Cherokee People. Lane made her debut as a designer in the 2024 Kananesgi Fashion Show, and she will be returning this year with a new collection.
A Butterfly’s Heart: Melah Perkins’ fashion show debut
Kimmemelah Chontay Perkins, or Melah, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Sioux, is a beadwork and quillwork artist making her debut as a designer in the Kananesgi Fashion Show coming up Nov. 8.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm