NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
NAFOA issues financial analysis of impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on tribal nations
Alongside other National Tribal Organizations, NAFOA is analyzing the provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill and their potential impacts on Tribal Nations. We are committed to providing you with a thorough assessment and advocating for the needs of Indian Country.
Forrest Parker selected to North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis
The North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis will begin meeting soon, and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be at the table. Forrest Parker, Qualla Enterprises, LLC general manager, has been selected to serve on the Advisory Council.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (July 2, 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.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
EBCI Division of Community, Education, and Recreation May 2024 newsletter
Cherokee Indian Hospital celebrates excellence, announces 2024 award recipients
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority has announced this year’s recipients of its prestigious annual awards. Dr. Winona Houser has been named Employee of the Year, and Lisa Hoyle has earned the esteemed Hayes Award for Quality and Safety.
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority opens new PRC Customer Service Desk
Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the addition of a new dedicated Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) Customer Service Desk and staff, aimed at enhancing services for patients needing care outside of CIHA.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Talking Trees Trout Derby is family fun
The Oconaluftee River erupts into a cavalcade of sparkles as the early morning sunlight hits the water, and the sounds of laughter can be heard coming from the water and banks. Each year, over a thousand children and their families flock to the Oconaluftee Island Park on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee, N.C.) to take part in the annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby.
COMMENTARY: Longer attention spans and life in the gray area
We know that a substantial portion of our readership may only ingest the first sentence of any written piece, and we have documented cases of readers who have read the headline only. In those cases, they will publicly comment on content that they never read.
COMMENTARY: Resilience is exhausting
For centuries, Native peoples have been defying expectations – we have termed this: resilience. At the onset of colonization, we were characterized as unintelligent, uncivilized savages.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WRESTLING: 1A West Regional held at Robbinsville; Taylor qualifies for state
Wrestlers from 24 schools throughout western North Carolina filled the gym at Robbinsville High School on the morning of Tuesday, June 15 as the school hosted the 1A West Regional tournament.
WRESTLING: Three Cherokee wrestlers take second at SMC championship
Three Cherokee High School varsity wrestlers made the finals at the 2021 Smoky Mountain Conference championship meet held at Robbinsville High School on Thursday, June 10. Jaylynne Esqvuiel (113), Braden Taylor (160), and Ian Crowe (182) came in second place in the conference in their respective divisions.
ON THE SIDELINES: Multi-sport athletes abound at Cherokee High
Several weeks ago, I took photos of Jonathan Frady competing at a track and field meet at Cherokee High School (CHS). Then, less than an hour after it ended, I took photos of him pitching six innings in a baseball game on campus.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Blaize Isaiah Chickaway
Blaize Isaiah Chickaway, born to Isaiah Chickaway and Jolie Locust-Pheasant on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, passed away on Oct. 9, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
OBITUARY: Christopher Hayes Calhoun “Hayes”
Christopher Hayes Calhoun “Hayes”, 64, of the Big Cove Community, passed away peacefully Sept. 26, 2024 at Frye Medical Center in Hickory, N.C. He was born July 22, 1960 to the late Walker and Evelyn Hornbuckle Calhoun.
OBITUARY: Malinda Ann Driver Mahan
Malinda Ann Driver Mahan, 70, of the Birdtown Community (originally from the Big Cove Community), went home to be with the lord on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, surrounded by family at Tsali Care Center.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for May 20-22
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 May 13-15
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 May 6-8
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
Gregg Allman to play Harrah’s Cherokee
Gregg Allman, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is heading to Cherokee.
WCU Wind Ensemble to present concert Oct. 28
The Western Carolina University Wind Ensemble will present its first concert of the fall semester at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the university’s John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.
Reel Big Fish, Ace Hood to present Homecoming concert at WCU
A concert featuring the ska-punk band Reel Big Fish and rapper Ace Hood will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Regional Activity Center as part of festivities associated with WCU’s Homecoming weekend.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm














