NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Cherokee Police Commission holds April meeting
The Cherokee Police Commission met in the Ginger Lynn Welch Poke Salad Room on the afternoon of Thursday, April 10.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) passes resolution for MMIP database
On the afternoon of April 3 during regular session, Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), voted unanimously to pass Res. No. 4775: A resolution to authorize and request the development of a single EBCI database of information and cases concerning Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), submitted by Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks.
Pheasant sentenced to life in prison for 2013 murder
Ernest D. Pheasant Sr., 47, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, April 3, 2025 for the 2013 murder of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Modern Cherokee moccasins included in exhibit at Ulster Museum in Ireland
Ulster Museum, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has recently refreshed “Inclusive Global Histories”, an exhibition which was launched in March 2022 demonstrating National Museums NI’s continuing commitment to decolonisation, diversity and inclusion. The exhibit will be on display until March 2025.
A Day in the Life: Cherokee Youth Center
Lucina Lira is a youth development professional for the Cherokee Youth Center, an afterschool and summer youth program. Lira, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), attended the Youth Center as a child, and she now enjoys providing a fun and educational space for new generations.
Longtime partner to GSMNP rebrands as ‘Smokies Life’
Great Smoky Mountains Association has announced that, as of Feb. 1, the organization will operate under a new name and brand identity: Smokies Life.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Pride for Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Community
During June, Pride Month celebrates the 2SLGBTQ+ community’s achievements and advocates for equal rights and community acceptance. It’s also a time to remember a people known as “Two-Spirits,” who were once revered before colonization and considered gifted by the Creator.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Friends, isn’t it great when you know you have a faithful friend? Part 3 of 3
We are to love our God. And we love with our human ability to love. God loves us, but He loves us with His Godly love that we cannot match. What a friend we have in Jesus. He loves us. Let me remind you of His love for us lest we forget.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Friends, isn’t it great when you know you have a faithful friend? Part 2 of 3
Not to brag, but I can cast off a Facebook friend and ‘Unfriend’ somebody in a heartbeat. That does not bother me in the least bit. I do not know them, and I will probably never meet them.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
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.
TRACK & FIELD: Smoky Mountain Conference Championship held at Cherokee
The Smoky Mountain Conference Championship was held at Cherokee High School (CHS) on the morning and afternoon of Wednesday, June 9.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Belinda Lee Deck Taylor
Belinda Lee Deck Taylor, age 73, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at Vanderbilt University Hospital.
OBITUARY: Charles Kalonaheskie (Charlie)
Charles Kalonaheskie (Charlie), 75, of the Wolftown Community, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
OBITUARY: David E. McCoy Sr.
David E. McCoy Sr., 64, of the Birdtown Community, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024 in his home surrounded by his family. A native of Cherokee, he was the son of the late Soloman (Bud) and Winona Delozier McCoy.
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
Davy Arch, others will share Cherokee heritage at Hayesville festival
Well-known storyteller and artist Davy Arch will tell Cherokee stories and will demonstrate flint knapping, carving, and mask making at the Cherokee Heritage Festival in Hayesville on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10am – 3pm.
Scotty McCreery to return to Harrah’s Cherokee
North Carolina native Scotty McCreery returns to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
MUSIC REVIEW: Birdtown Crossing hits mark on “Singing in the Sky”
Birdtown Crossing’s new release, entitled “Singing in the Sky”, hits the mark as a solid recording that will leave any listener only wanting more. The group, which is based in Cherokee, NC and has been traveling the pow wow circuit since 1998, sings songs in the Northern Plains style (well, mostly).
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm















