NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (June 2025)
Every few weeks, the One Feather will provide 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.
Remember the Removal Riders begin their journey
The 2025 Remember the Removal (RTR) riders received a send-off from Kituwah, the Mother Town of the Cherokee, on the evening of Friday, May 30. Riders will embark on the journey from New Echota, Ga., former capital of the Cherokee Nation, on Monday, June 2 and will arrive in Tahlequah, Okla. on Saturday, June 21.
New pavilion opens officially at Kituwah
An American bald eagle was perched in a nearby tree checking out the festivities as members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) gathered at Kituwah, the Mother Town of the Cherokee, to open the new pavilion on site.
2026 4th of July Powwow
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ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Jackson County Chamber director honored
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 25th work anniversary of Executive Director Julie Spiro Donaldson on Thursday, Feb. 15.
“A safe haven”: Junior NAIWA Cherokee group breaking new ground
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is often at the forefront of Indian Country, and a group of enterprising young Cherokee ladies have another first for the Tribe. They have formed the Junior NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association) Cherokee Chapter which is the first such organization in the country.
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.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
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.
COMMENTARY: Voices
In activism, you often hear the term “voice.” You hear the saying, “give a voice to the voiceless.” What is a voice? What does it mean to lend a voice?
COMMENTARY: Approving adult-use cannabis is common sense
Cannabis has been debated by the tribal government of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) for going on a decade now. EBCI voters voted overwhelmingly for a referendum in September 2023 approving adult-use (sometimes referred to as recreational) of cannabis.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
ON THE SIDELINES: Lady Braves softball team is building teamwork
The Cherokee Lady Braves varsity softball team is building a team spirit and getting better with each outing.
CHEERLEADING: Smoky Mountain Competition Cheer Club wins at several meets
The Smoky Mountain Competition Cheer Club has continued to excel in wins over the past few weeks. The cheerleaders represent Jackson, Macon, Swain, Haywood counties in North and Rabun County Ga. Participants range from 4-18 years of age, both boys and girls.
SOFTBALL: Middle School Lady Braves finish season undefeated, win conference title
With a dominating performance at Andrews, the Cherokee Middle School Lady Braves finished their 2021 season undefeated and won the Smoky Mountain Conference championship.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Dalilah Lynne Pheasant
Dalilah Lynne Pheasant, age 22, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. She is the daughter of Jeremiah and Brandy Pheasant, and Lori Ludwig (William Harris Jr.).
OBITUARY: Diane McElreath Brown
Diane McElreath Brown, 78, entered heaven under the noonday sun, covered by the prayer of her #5 son, Daniel “Nunu” Brown, and her #3 son, Buzzy Brown, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in Tsisgwohi (Birdtown).
OBITUARY: Belinda Lee Deck Taylor
Belinda Lee Deck Taylor, age 73, passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at Vanderbilt University Hospital.
HAPPENINGS
Museum offering programs, workshops for Native American Heritage Month
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer free programs and special workshops to the public in November to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
Park to celebrate Bat Week on Oct. 25-31
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host several events for Bat Week, Oct. 25-31, to highlight the important role bats play in our ecosystem.
Upcoming Pow Wows for Oct. 30 – Nov. 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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Fight Lab 39 MMA Event to be held at Harrah’s Cherokee
Fight night returns to Cherokee with Fight Lab 39. Featuring 10-12 action-packed, mixed martial Arts bouts, the Fight Lab MMA is renowned for their wall to wall aggression, action, gogo-dancing ring girls and unique form of entertainment. Whether you are a seasoned...
Wildlife ranger, AT thru-hiker to sign their books in Park
A recently-retired Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist and an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, both of whom turned author following their experiences in and around the national park, will sign copies of their books at national park visitor centers in...
Tribal member is a finalist for prestigious book prize
Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, once said, “To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme.” That is exactly what one EBCI tribal member has done, and it has paid off.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm