NEWS ᎧᏃᎮᏓ
MMIW: IWMF One-Year Grant in Review
From January 2024 to January 2025, with help from a year-long grant awarded by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Fund for Indigenous Journalists: Reporting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Transgender People (MMIWG2T), the Cherokee One Feather has worked to cover as many of the 35+ documented Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) cases as possible with articles and graphics. With the grant year complete, we have compiled an overview of the coverage and developments.
Cherokee Nation withdraws from Tri-Council
One of the three legs of the tripod that is Tri-Council has decided to withdraw from participation. The Legislative Branch of the Cherokee Nation (Okla.) passed Res. No. 24-114 on Monday, Dec. 16 withdrawing their tribe from the Tri-Council which is an annual meeting of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (N.C.), the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (Okla.).
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians celebrates grand opening of Caesars Virginia
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) joined Caesars Entertainment on Tuesday, Dec. 17 to celebrate the grand opening of the highly anticipated Caesars Virginia casino & resort. Ugvwiyuhi (Principal Chief) Michell Hicks, alongside members of his Executive team and Dinilawigi (Tribal Council), attended the event, marking a significant milestone in EBCI’s ongoing partnership with Caesars Entertainment.
ONE FEATHER PHOTOS
COMMUNITY ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
WCU to open exhibition “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson”
This August, the WCU (Western Carolina University) Fine Art Museum opens the exhibition “Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson”, featuring over 140 works of contemporary Native American art from the collection of one of western North Carolina’s most notable art enthusiasts.
Film, concert event to put Cherokee language in the spotlight
On Aug. 4 and 5, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) will present The Way We Speak with the World, a film and concert event celebrating the Cherokee language.
Cherokee Elementary School 2022-23 End-of-Year Awards
Cherokee Elementary School 2022-23 End-of-Year Awards
OPINIONS ᏃᎵᏍᎬᎢ
COMMENTARY: Taking another swing at a Tribal Constitution
Newly selected, government-approved, delegates have been selected from various segments of the community, including the appointees from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Executive Office and elected officials from Tribal Council.
COMMENTARY – Rep. Edwards: We must investigate Indian boarding schools, promote healing
There is a black mark on our nation’s history that resulted in untold suffering and trauma that resonated across the decades in tribal communities throughout the nation: the Indian boarding schools that operated in this country during the 19th and 20th centuries.
COMMENTARY: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians fights back against groups falsely claiming Cherokee identity
As keepers of our traditions and sovereignty, we vehemently oppose any attempts to exploit or appropriate the rich cultural legacy of Cherokee people. Our identity is deeply rooted in our history and connection to our land.
SPORTS ᏍᎦᏚᎩ
Cherokee Central Schools planning for fall sports pending state decision
If the state governing body deems it appropriate, Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) will be all in for fall sports.
Still no word from NCHSAA on fall sports
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) is getting lots of inquiries to one burning question on everyone’s minds – will there be sports in the fall?
VOLLEYBALL: Cherokee hires new head volleyball coach
Cherokee High School has hired a new head volleyball coach for the upcoming season, and she has quite a resume.
OBITUARIES ᏧᏂᏲᎰᏒ
OBITUARY: Donna Lee Jackson
Donna Lee Jackson, 55, of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away, Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, N.C.
OBITUARY: Angel Gabrielle Jumper
Angel Gabrielle Jumper, age 35, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 23, 2024. She is the daughter of Glenn Jumper (Karen) and Gussyrobin Zepeda.
OBITUARY: Willa Celeste Goodson
Willa Celeste Goodson, 13, of Bryson City, N.C., busted the gates of Heaven wide open Friday, March 15, 2024. A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of Ellen Koch Finger of Bryson City and the late Tony Goodson.
HAPPENINGS
Upcoming Pow Wows for Aug. 6-9
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 July 30 – Aug. 2
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 July 23-26
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
BOOK REVIEW: The House on Diamond Hill: A Cherokee Plantation Story refreshing and touching
The House on Diamond Hill: A Cherokee Plantation Story by Tiya Miles takes readers on a fascinating journey that begins in what is now the modern day Vann House in Georgia.
BOOK REVIEW: Cherokee Wampum weaves history and beads
Karen Coody Cooper’s short book of 72 pages entitled Cherokee Wampum: War and Peace Belts: 1730 to Present, including references and a description of the author, is not for the reader looking to be entertained. Purely informational, it describes in detailed but very readable text the origins of wampum, its various uses over time, and most particularly, its relationship to the Cherokee people.
Exhibit of pottery collected by Joan Byrd and George Rector opens Feb. 17 at WCU
Pottery from the private collection of Joan Byrd and George Rector will be on display from Monday, Feb. 17, through Friday, May 9, at the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University. An artist’s talk and reception is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20.
Call
(828) 359-6262
Address
801 Acquoni Road • Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours
Mon – Fri • 7:45am – 4:30pm















