NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
Lumbee recognition included in House-approved FY26 NDAA bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3838 (National Defense Authorization Act FY26) last week which included a tack-on of the Lumbee Fairness Act which would grant full federal acknowledgement to the state-recognized group known as the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
“What a blessing”: Kuwohi Celebration marks one-year anniversary of name restoration
The sun peeked through the moving clouds and fog covered the mountain peaks at Kuwohi (Mulberry Place) on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 for a special event. Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and friends gathered at the site to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the restoration of the name of the area to its original Cherokee name, Kuwohi.
Federal legislative updates of interest to EBCI citizens (Sept. 15)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P. One Feather Asst. Editor 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...
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WCU Board of Trustees elect Casey Cooper as its chair
Western Carolina University’s (WCU) Board of Trustees elected Casey Cooper as its chair during a special called meeting Wednesday, July 10, replacing former chair Kathy Greeley, who was recently appointed to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.
Tribal Cannery hard at work for a healthier community
On a drizzly afternoon in Aniwodihi (Painttown), two women are hard at work preserving food for the Cherokee community. The Tribal Cannery of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), which serves everyone, is located in the new Tribal Foods Distribution building at 2260 Old Mission Road in Cherokee, N.C.
Culture and language revitalization from Cherokee to Ecuador
Two members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and alumni of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Colby Taylor and Juanita Paz-Chalacha, recently returned from a cultural exchange trip in Ecuador along with Kituwah Preservation Education Program Education Curriculum Developer Hartwell Francis.
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: The U.S. government should enforce eagle feather regulations
During the September session of Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) presented. The purpose of their visit was to solicit a partnership with the tribe to develop a rehabilitation and hospital facility for eagles and other birds of prey. The visit was facilitated by the Steve Youngdeer Post of the American Legion Post 143.
SPEAKING OF FAITH: Consider Christ for Christ’s Sake
It is a true statement that the best part of any community is the people. Unfortunately, we also must acknowledge the other side of that reality.
COMMENTARY: We all need accountability
Being responsible for someone or something is never an easy chore. Ask any parent. If you truly take on the duty to raise a young one right, it will be a physically and mentally taxing endeavor. On top of meeting personal goals and meeting spiritual standards, a parent must also navigate societal norms.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WRESTLING: Cherokee participates in tri-school meet at Hayesville
The Cherokee High School varsity wrestling team traveled to Hayesville High School on Thursday, May 13 to participate in a tri-school meet with Hayesville and Rosman.
TRACK AND FIELD: Cherokee hosts tri-school meet
Cherokee hosted a tri-school meet including Robbinsville and Tri-County Early College on the afternoon of Friday, May 14.
CHS athletes recognized with All-Conference honors
Several Cherokee High School athletes were named recently to All-Conference and Honorable Mention for three Smoky Mountain Conference sports including:
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Glenda Dale Owle Welch
Glenda Dale Owle Welch, 76, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Mission Hospital. Glenda was born June 9, 1948, to the late Lloyd and Stella Bradley Webb. Glenda enjoyed being around family, cooking, and crafts.
OBITUARY: Raymond Kenneth Smith
Raymond Kenneth Smith, age 69, of Tsali Manor, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 at Mission Hospital.
OBITUARY: Marie Taylor Swayney
Marie Taylor Swayney, 88, of Whittier, N.C., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.
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
Author: Cherokee Little People are real
Stories of the Cherokee Little People permeate the mountains of western North Carolina, and Cherokee people believe that they are real. Area author Mary Joyce states she has proof of their existence in her new book entitled Cherokee Little People Were Real.
“Ms. Lizzie” celebrates 40 years with Unto These Hills
When Lizzie Hull, who lives on the 3200 Acre Tract, began working for the Cherokee Historical Association in 1974, she was in crowd scenes in Unto These Hills.
Sleepy Hollow casting Native American males
The Sleepy Hollow TV show is currently in need of Native American males 18+up for some scenes in an upcoming episode filming in Wilmington. They are looking for “great faces with authentic looks”. There isn’t an exact filming date yet, but it will be sometime...
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