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
A Day in the Makerspace: Bernice Bottchenbaugh’s chemise class at Qualla Boundary Public Library
On Thursday, Aug. 6, Bernice Bottchenbaugh, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) from Kolanvyi (Big Cove), taught a chemise class at the Qualla Boundary Public Library.
Cherokee Water reveals exclusive can for Red Clay State Historic Park’s 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration
Cherokee Water has revealed its exclusive water can for the 2026 Cherokee Cultural Celebration at Red Clay State Historic Park in Cleveland, Tenn. The event will take place from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9. Admission is $5 cash only.
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
First Floor Highway releases powerful new single, “Bring the Ruin”
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
WRESTLING: Cherokee takes second place at Enka Duals Boys meet
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) varsity wrestling team took second place in Pool D at the Enka Duals Girls meet in Candler, N.C. on Saturday, Jan. 3.
WRESTLING: Cherokee takes second place at Enka Duals Girls meet
The Tsalagi Anata Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Lady Braves) varsity wrestling team took second place in Pool B at the Enka Duals Girls meet in Candler, N.C. on Saturday, Jan. 3.
Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi play in Coaches vs Cancer event for Natalie Grant
The Tsalagi Anitsvyasdi (Cherokee Braves) played Daniel Boone High School (Tenn.) in the Coaches vs Cancer event held at TC Roberson High School on Saturday, Dec. 13. The team chose to play for (SUIT UP FOR) Natalie Grant. She recently battled cancer and beat it.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
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.
OBITUARY: Ruth Eldean Tooni Lossiah
Ruth Eldean Tooni Lossiah, 77, of the Big Cove Community, went home to be with the Lord after a short illness. A native of Cherokee, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Geneva Cucumber Tooni.
OBITUARY: David Eugene Swayney
David Eugene Swayney, 77, of Cherokee, passed away Saturday, Aug. 16, 2026. He was the son of the late John Wesley Swayney and Nellie Mae Crowe.
HAPPENINGS
Cherokee Christmas Parade 2019 participant information
Cherokee Christmas Parade application form EBCI Waiver - Christmas Parade 2019 Form W-9
Upcoming Pow Wows for Nov. 7-10
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.
Park to host Star Gazing event at Purchase Knob
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a stargazing event on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center in North Carolina.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Waleli Crow brings an artist’s eye to modeling
Waleli Crow is surrounded daily by art, and modeling offers her another artistic outlet. Crow, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. where she majors in dramatic writing with minors in film and television and graphic design.
“The web grows stronger”: The story behind Kananesgi
What began as a bold vision to bring Cherokee art to the world has become one of the region’s most celebrated showcases of Indigenous creativity. The Kananesgi events, including an art market, competition, and fashion show, were created to uplift artists of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and celebrate both tradition and innovation.
Woodcarving Club starts up in Tsisqwohi (Birdtown)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) member, carver and art collector Driver Blythe has started a biweekly woodcarving club at the Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Community Building with renowned Cherokee carvers Davy Arch and Dewey Owle.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm