NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Resolution recognizing Purple Lotus Day passes unanimously
Sheyahshe Littledave, public information officer for the Office of the Principal Chief, and Billie Jo Rich, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (DVSA) program manager, walked in a resolution during Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Annual Council on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 30 for the EBCI to officially recognize the third Thursday of the month of October as Purple Lotus Day in honor of survivors of domestic violence.
EBCI Government Explained: Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) meetings
The Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is established in the EBCI Charter and Governing Document. Laws regarding its meetings can be found throughout the Charter and Governing Document as well as Cherokee Code.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) tables resolution regarding weighted vote
The weighted vote used by the Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has been in place since 2001. Dinilawigi tabled a resolution during an Annual Council session on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 that seeks to evaluate the numbers based on a 2023 tribal census.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Paranormal Society: Spooks, haunts, and fun
Since 2017, the Cherokee Paranormal Society (CHPS) has been exploring the spookiest spots that us locals all know and love – or fear. Founders Sylvia Smoker, Kristy Maney Herron (Photographer/Videographer), and Tyra Maney (Moral Support), operate CHPS with good intentions, local knowledge, and lots of fun.
112th Cherokee Indian Fair winners in EBCI Cooperative Extension contests
112th Cherokee Indian Fair winners in EBCI Cooperative Extension contests
112th Cherokee Indian Fair winners in Qualla Arts & Crafts contests
112th Cherokee Indian Fair winners in Qualla Arts & Crafts contests
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Surprise!
Have you ever received a gift and didn’t know where it came from or why? Then later you find out who gave you the gift. Were you surprised? Did it mean more to you to know who gave you the gift? Did you feel more love or affection for the giver, knowing it came from them?
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Use of cell towers and AM radio
Cell phone sites and AM radio stations have been viewed by many as unable to function from the same tower.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: The mystery and meaning of Bethlehem’s Star
Sometime around Thanksgiving many of us decorate a Christmas tree. We raise our real or fake tree in our living rooms, decorated with ornaments and lights, with our wrapped gifts gently placed underneath as we await Christmas morning.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
FOOTBALL: Braves provide rough seas for Avery Vikings
With a massive 560 yards of total offense, the Cherokee Braves (1-1) provided a rough sailing environment and stormy waters for the visiting Avery Co. Vikings (0-2) on the evening of Friday, Aug. 27.
FOOTBALL: Braves drop season-opener at Smoky Mtn.
On an absolutely beautiful night for football, complete with an amazing sunset, Cherokee got its 2021 campaign started with a visit to Smoky Mountain. The Mustangs (1-0), behind a three touchdown night for Isaiah McNeely, took the win 41-13 over the Braves (0-1).
CROSS COUNTRY: Cherokee opens season at Swain-hosted meet at Kituwah
The Cherokee High School and Middle School cross country season got underway on the overcast morning of Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Kituwah site. A total of nine high school teams and seven middle school teams competed in the event hosted by Swain County High School athletics.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson
Mary Jane Bigwitch Ferguson, 74, passed away Dec. 20, 2024 at Cherokee Indian Hospital surrounded by family and friends after an extended battle with Multiple Myeloma.
OBITUARY: Henrietta L. Sampson
Henrietta L. Sampson, also known by many as “Aunt Zette”, Beloved Cherokee Matriarch, passed away in her home in the presence of her loving daughters on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at the age of 70.
OBITUARY: Shirley Rose Greene
Shirley Rose Greene, 91, of the Sweetwater Community in Robbinsville, N.C., passed away, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at her residence.
HAPPENINGS
WCU to hold spring commencement ceremonies May 6-7 for expected record class
Western Carolina University will hold a trio of commencement ceremonies over a two-day period – Friday and Saturday, May 6-7 – to recognize the academic achievements of what is expected to be the university’s fifth straight record spring graduating class.
Upcoming Pow Wows for April 29 – May 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 April 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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
‘Sounds of the Season’ to be presented Dec. 7 at WCU
The annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert, featuring faculty and students in small chamber groups and larger ensembles, will be presented by the School of Music at Western Carolina University on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Former Mouseketeer to host evening of music, stories, laughter Dec. 2 at WCU
Former Mouseketeer Lindsey Alley will present an evening of musical performances mingled with stand-up comedy titled “Blood, Sweat and Mousketears” at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University on Tuesday, Dec 2.
WCU’s Bardo Arts Center to present ‘Cinnamon Grits’ holiday musical Dec. 12
A holiday-themed spin on the hit production “GRITS: The Musical!” is coming to the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University on Friday, Dec. 12.
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(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
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