Ernest (Bud) Sneed, Jr. 81, of Cherokee passed away at Cherokee Indian Hospital on May 16, 2012.  He was a resident of the Wolftown Community.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Leauna (Smith) Sneed.

     He is survived by his wife of  51 years, Margaret (Waggie) Sneed; his children, Dennis (Fuzz) Sneed, Darren (Dune) Sneed and wife, Roberta, and Trina (Cricket) Owle and husband, Donnie; sisters, Gertha Shipman, Winnie Lee Nunez, and Carrie Lou Parker; brothers, Hillard Sneed, Herbert Sneed, Jimbo Sneed, and Pine Knot Sneed; grandchildren, Amelia Owle, Dennis “Popcorn” Sneed, Heather Sneed, Kyle Sneed, Kyra Sneed, and Kasdan Saunooke; and also four great-grandchildren.

     The family will receive friends on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Macedonia Baptist Church from 6-10pm.  The funeral service will be held at 2pm on May 19, 2012.

     The Rev. Danny Conseen and the Rev. James (Bo) Parris will officiate and burial will follow in the Sneed Family Holly Bush Cemetery.  Pall bearers will be grandsons and members of the Wolftown Free Labor Group.

     Long House Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  An on-line memorial register is available at www.longhousefuneralhome.com.

ONE FEATHER STAFF

     There were over 6.3 million American Indian/Alaska Natives in the United States in 2011 according to a U.S. Census report released on Thursday, May 17.  That number is up 2.1 percent from the last numbers released in 2010.    

     According to the report, California had the highest number of American Indians with around 1,050,000 and Alaska had the highest percent at 19.6 percent. 

     Los Angeles county had the highest number of American Indians in the country with around 231,000 and Shannon County (SD), home to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, had the highest percent at 93.6 percent. 

     One startling fact to come out of Thursday’s report was “estimates showing that 50.4 percent of our nation’s population younger than age 1 were minorities as of July 2, 2011.  This is up from 49.5 percent from the 2010 Census taken April 1, 2010.” 

     Other interesting facts from the report include:

- nation’s median age increased from 37.2 to 37.3

- population of Americans 65 and older increased from 40.3 million to 41.4 million

- Maine had the highest median age at 43.2

- Utah had the lowest median age at 29.5

- Hispanics were the most populous minority with over 52 million, also the fastest growing population which increased 3.1 percent since 2010

By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.

ONE FEATHER STAFF

     EBCI artist Sean Ross is known for his realism and his contemporary style of art.  His latest art installation, entitled “Aluminum Sioux Camps”, is a break from his realistic style and in his words, “nothing like what you’ve seen from me before.” 

EBCI artist Sean Ross poses with his work at the opening of his latest art installation, "Aluminum Sioux Camps", on Thursday, May 15 at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)

     His installation opened at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center on the evening of Tuesday, May 15.  Consisting of three large canvases, the installation explores the beauty of form and togetherness.

     “This was in reference to the Sioux camps and other Plains camps in the way they would set up their camps in such a tight, constrained manner,” said Ross.  “That had utilitarian purposes, but the reason they did it was for protection, communication, things of that nature.” 

     Ross said as he began studying other cultures, he saw the same living patterns.  “I noticed that some peoples still had the tendency to build cul-de-sac type living arrangements when it was no longer necessary.  There was no need for protection.  They had different forms of communication.  It seemed rather an innate behavior than something that was learned.” 

     He said he saw the prevalence of the single-wide trailers and it inspired his work.  “It’s in every culture, really every class in the United States.  I just think they’re beautiful forms.”

     Ross said there are hidden gems of Native cultural influences in his installation such as color schemes, hues, and basket patterns. 

     “I want these forms to take on a sense of nobility, not a sense of desperation.  This is just all about a conceptual thought and process.”

     Ross’ installation is scheduled to be on display at the Center for a month.

     Viola was born on March 22, 1922 in Avenel, NJ to the late Philip and Viola Ellison DenBleyker.

     Viola (Vi) Bailey graduated as Valedictorian for Woodbridge High School in Woodbridge, NJ. She was a former resident of Oakland Park, Florida; dividing her time between Florida and North Carolina for many years. She founded Miz-Chief Gifts in Maggie Valley over 40 years ago and subsequently relocated the shop to Cherokee. While in the area Vi formed many long and lasting friendships of which she spoke often.

     Ms. Bailey is predeceased by her brother, Philip Den Bleyker, III.  Survivors include her sister, Barbara O’Connell (Donald) of Stroudsburg, PA; step-son, Edward Bailey; nieces, Barbara Jenkins and Ann Miles; and nephews, Philip and James DenBleyker.

     There will be no local services. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, where she will  join her beloved husband Frank Schurer, at a future date.

     Condolences may be made online at www.ashevillemortuaryservices.com

     He was the son of Iva Rattler of Robbinsville, and the late Willie Rattler.  In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Rattler.

     Ricky had an interest in anything sports related and loved playing softball, basketball, and golf. He also loved working with wood and doing carpentry work.

     In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Kamryn Rattler and her mother Julie Nagel, both of Clymer, NY; his brother and sister in law, Donald and Diane Rattler; and his brother, Allen Rattler all of Robbinsville; his nieces, Alaina Haney and Jackie Rattler; and his nephews, Michael Rattler and Josh Rattler.

     Funeral services were held at 7pm Monday, May 13, 2012 at Townson-Smith Chapel. The Reverends Michael Rattler and Noah Crowe  officiated. The family received friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Chapel, prior to the service. Committal services were held at 10am Tuesday, May 14, 2012 at the Rattler Cemetery.

     Townson-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.

- EBCI Extension Center

     Graduation commencement for Smoky Mountain High School is set for Thursday, May 24, at 7p.m. at the Ramsey Center on Western Carolina campus.  Eric Toedtman will be the guest speaker.

     There are 15 students who are EBCI tribal members that are expected to walk the stage among the 166 potential Mustang graduates. They are:

     Arnold, Tyler Charles of Sylva is the son of Nancy Arnold.  Tyler is interested in mixed martial arts and judo.  He listens to music, likes to read and play video games.  He received the Tribal Council Merit Award.  Tyler has been offered a full scholarship to the Dream Center Ministries Academy in St. Louis, Missouri.

     Blackfox, Cassandra Dawn of Painttown is the granddaughter of Nancy and Robert Bigmeat.  Her parents are Minda Armachain and David Blackfox.  Cassandra plans to attend Southwestern Community College and major in Nursing.

     Chiltoskie, Kaniawa Cree is the daughter of Kim and Linda Chiltoskie of the Wolfetown Community.  Kai likes to hang out with her friends and play basketball.  She plans to enlist in the Navy.

     French, Landon Eagle of Yellowhill is the son of Dawn Arneach and the late Danny French.  Landon enjoys kickboxing and has achieved a white belt-2^nd stripe in Jiu Jitsu.  Landon received the Tribal Council Merit Award.  He has been accepted to Mars Hill College and plans to major in History.

     George, Michael Anthony of Birdtown is the son of Michael Shane Davis and Chena George.  Michael played Smoky Mountain football and he likes to play community basketball and hang out with his friends.  Michael plans to attend Southwestern Community College and then transfer to Mars Hill College.  He would like to someday be a teacher.

     Huskey, Elias Cade of Wolfetown is the son of Sharrianne Pheasant and the late Kent Huskey.  Cade enjoys playing stickball and listening to music.  Cade received the Tribal Council Merit Award.  Cade has been accepted to and plans to attend North Carolina State University.  He is presently undecided about a major.

     Ledford, Brooklynn Jonet’ is the daughter of Katina Price of Birdtown.  Brooklynn is an early graduate; she received a Tribal Council Merit Award and was selected to receive the Principal Chief’s Award.  She played basketball and volleyball for Smoky Mountain.  Brooklynn has been accepted to and plans to attend Cape Fear Community College where she will declare a major in Medical Stenography.

     Lossiah, Dylan Hayes of Big Y is the son of Tracy Fitzmaurice and Bo Lossiah.  Dylan was the Varsity Soccer Captain and Captain during his sophomore year for the track team.  Dylan was a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, a member of Student Council, and a New Century Scholar.  He received the HERD Guild Art Scholarship, All Conference and All Region in Soccer and was nominated for the Asheville City Times All Western in soccer. He also received a Tribal Council Merit Award.  Dylan likes to do community service and is interested in art, writing, and cooking.  He has been accepted to and will attend the Lloyd International Honors College at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro.  He plans to major in History and minor in pre-law and eventually attend law school.  His future plan is to return to the reservation and teach.

     Marr, James Allen is the son of Christina Smith of Whittier.  James was on the football and track teams for Smoky Mountain.  He likes to listen to music and play sports.  He received a Tribal Council Merit Award.  James plans to attend Southwestern Community College but is undecided about a major.

     Mathis, Tristan Taylor of Wolfetown is the son of Michelle Mathis and Donovan Crowe.  He played football and basketball for Smoky Mountain and was also on the track team.   Tristan also participated in the NAYO and Indigenous basketball teams.  He likes to play various sports and likes to hang out with his friends.  Tristan received a Tribal Council Merit Award.  He has been accepted to and plans to attend East Tennessee State University and major in Criminal Justice.

     Parker, Roxanne Klari of Wolfetown is the daughter of Pam Blankenship and Ben Parker.  She is also the granddaughter of Bob and Laura Blankenship and the late Claude and Jean Parker.  Roxanne played soccer for Smoky Mountain and received a Tribal Council Merit Award.  She plans to attend Southwestern Community College to become a surveyor.  She would also like to give special thanks to her parents for all their support!

     Powell, Samantha Lynn of Wolfetown is the daughter of Jacqueline Powell and Ronson Rickman.  Samantha likes to attend the Youth Center, play community basketball and softball, volunteer, listen to music, facebook her friends and spend time with her family and friends.  She plans to attend Southwestern Community College and then transfer to a four-year university to major in Archeology. 

     Walkingstick, Lakisha Nicole of Sylva and Big Cove is the daughter of Andrea Walkingstick and William “Tosh” Davis III.  Lakisha received a Tribal Council Merit Award and achieved the Serve Safe Certification.  She enjoys hanging with her friends, listening to music and going to the park.  Lakisha plans to attend Southwestern Community College for her CNA license.

     Wolfe, Dustin Thunder of Birdtown is the son of Angela Wolfe and Jimmy Wilson.  Dustin played Smoky Mountain football.  He is a recipient of the National Native American Art Award and attended an art workshop sponsored by the HERD Museum at the University of Arizona in Phoenix.  He also placed first and had two third place awards at the Native American Conference held in Charlotte earlier this year. Dustin also received the Silver Key Award through the Asheville Museum.  Dustin received the Tribal Council Best All-Around Merit Award and the Principal Chief’s Award.  Dustin plans to attend Southwestern Community College then transfer to Western Carolina and major in Criminal Justice.  He aspires one day to become an SBI agent.

     Wolfe, Jaidan Tylyn-Renaye of Wolfetown is the daughter of Christina Panther and Johan Wolfe.  Jaidan was a member of Talent Search and received a Tribal Council Merit Award.  She likes to hang out with her friends and listen to music.  Jaidan plans to attend Southwestern Community College for a degree in Graphic Design.

- Smoky Mountain High School

Both of these came from the UNC-Chapel Hill Collection. 

ONE FEATHER STAFF      

     The walkers of the Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights came to town on Monday, May 10.  Upon their arrival, they walked from the welcome sign near the Park entrance to the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.  The walkers were accompanied by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians including the Rattlesnake Mountain drum group who sang for the walkers as they marched down Tsali Boulevard. 

Participants in the Leonard Peltier Walk for Human Rights enter Cherokee on Monday, May 10. (ELVIA WALKINGSTICK/One Feather)

    That evening, they were treated to a potluck dinner at Barry Craig’s Campground by members of the community where they showed the movie, Incident at Oglala, as well as shared stories of their travels and their cause.  On Saturday, May 12, Bill Miller held a free concert at the Fairgrounds to help raise donations.  The walkers, led by organizer Dorothy Ninham, departed Cherokee on their way to their ultimate destination of Washington D.C. in which they are set to arrive on Friday, May 18.  There is also a three-day powwow scheduled once they arrive

     The walk, which started in Alcatraz, Cali., was organized, according to the walk’s website, to “raise awareness of the many human rights violations that occur every day to all four races of mankind.  Although one main thrust of the walk is to reignite Leonard Peltier’s case and show how life on Indian Reservations is…the walk is also about how these injustices are not limited to the indigenous people of this land.  Leonard supports the creation of awareness and education regarding the violations that occur to the people of America and of all Native Tribes.” 

     Info:  www.leonardpeltierwalkforhumanrights.com or www.windchasesthesun.org.

     Leonard Peltier is an Anishinabe/Lakota man, originally from the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota, who was convicted of killing two FBI agents in 1977 in which he was ultimately sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.  To date, he has already served over 35 years of his sentence.  Peltier is scheduled for a mandatory release date of 2040 in which he will have served 65 years.  He is considered a political prisoner by his supporters and the plea for his clemency has been made by many including Amnesty International, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

     For more photos of the walk, please visit the One Feather photo gallery at:

http://theonefeather.com/photo-galleries-2/

CHEROKEE RUNNERS

     Several members of the Cherokee Runners competed in the 2^nd annual Ramble Run in Asheville on Saturday, May 12.  Runners had a choice of 5K (3.1 miles) or 12K (about 7.5 miles).  Dawna Paul and Heather Driver ran the 5K while Marlene Arch, Samantha Ferguson and Michael Henson competed in the 12K with Henson coming second in his age group.  Elnora Thompson volunteered with the event’s organizers to ensure that runners were safe and hydrated. 

     Stephan Swimmer, Cherokee Runners president & certified coach, has been leading hill sessions for the last three weeks.  This week, the sessions will concentrate on speed work, and they will begin on Thursday, May 17.  Runners will participate in a dynamic warm up and then go to about 45 minutes of sprints.  These bursts of speed will also incorporate endurance components as many of the runners are training for the Marine Corps Marathon that’s held at the end of October.

     The regular meetings for the group are held on the 1^st and the 15^th of each month at 6:30pm at the Age Link Conference Room.  All individuals are welcome to join no matter the fitness level.  Walk or run your way to fitness and have fun along the way!  See our website www.cherokeerunners.com or visit our Facebook page.

- One Feather staff report

Peaches Squirrell (right) presents Elizabeth Wahnetah with the Peaches Squirrell Honorarium "Miss Brave" Award at the CHS Athletic Banquet on Sunday, May 12. (Photos courtesy of Nancy Wahnetah)

Peaches Squirrell Honorarium “Miss Brave”

Elizabeth Wahnetah

Noland Crowe Honorarium “Mr. Brave”

Gabe McMillan

Bertha Saunooke Memorial Female Athlete of the Year

Avery Mintz

James “Hog Eye” Taylor Memorial Male Athlete of the Year

Forrest Stamper

Charlie Stamper Memorial Academic Athlete

Female – Meshay Long

Male – Tsaladi Sequoyah

Most Determined Athlete

Barbara Sequoyah Memorial – Shayna Ledford

Ray Owle Memorial – Colby Yanez

Vernon Hornbuckle Memorial Christian Athlete

Female – Elle Bradley

Male – Francisco Javier

Noah Powell Memorial Leadership Award

Female – Alexis Maney

Male – Kenzie Garcia

Ray Kinsland (right) presents the Ray Kinsland Sportsmanship Award to Jordynn Thompson as Wilbur Paul looks on.

Ray Kinsland Honorarium Best Sportsmanship

Female – Jordyn Thompson

Male – Jeremy Wolfe

Chief John A. Crowe Memorial Most Dedicated Athlete

Female – Kendall Toineeta

Male – Sam Wahnetah

Special Recognition Athletes (3 or more sports)

Alea Tisho, Alexis Maney, Avery Mintz, Bradley Welch, Callie Phillips, Darisus Thompson, Deija Burgess, Elizabeth Wahnetah, Gabe McMillan, Jayce Girty, Jeremy Wolfe, Jordyn Thompson, Kendall Toineeta, Levi Swearengin, Meshay Long, Miranda Smith, Nick Hill, Peri Wildcatt, Punky Magana, Taylor Wilnoty, Zach Strong

Special Recognition Athletes (4 or more sports)

Chris Queen, Derrick Ledford, Elle Bradley, Hye Long, Sabrina Wooten, Shayna Ledford

Special 4-year Letterman Awards

Abby Long, Jada Long, Forrest Stamper, Taylor Toineeta, Colby Yanez, Elizabeth Wahnetah, Shayna Ledford, Tsalidi Sequoyah, Will Bird, Cain Oocumma, Wesley Long, Meshay Long, Jeremy Wolfe

All-State basketball player Tsalidi Sequoyah was named Offensive MVP for Varsity Boys Basketball. .

JV Volleyball

Offensive MVP – Dre Crowe

Defensive MVP – Kayla Bradley

Coach’s Award – Hye Long

Varsity Volleyball

Offensive MVP – Callie Phillips

Defensive MVP – Elizabeth Wahnetah

Coach’s Award – Taran Swimmer

Varsity Cheerleading

MVP – Brianna Smith

Coach’s Award – Jessica French

Ladies Golf

MVP – Elle Bradley

Coach’s Award – Gabby Thompson

Mens Soccer

Offensive MVP – Colby Yanez

Defensive MVP – Wade Wolfe

Coach’s Award – Kenzie Garcia

Varsity Cross Country

Women’s MVP – Kendall Toineeta

Men’s MVP – Levi Swearengin

Coach’s Award – Shayna Ledford

JV Football

Offensive MVP – Kobe Toineeta

Defensive MVP – Taylor Davis

Coach’s Award – Austin Padilla

Varsity Football

Offensive MVP – Forrest Stamper

Defensive MVP – Jeremy Wolfe

Coach’s Award – Tavi Rivera

JV Girls Basketball

Offensive MVP – Peri Wildcatt

Defensive MVP – Taran Swimmer

Coach’s Award – Hye Long

JV Boys Basketball

Offensive MVP – Reven Frankiewicz

Defensive MVP – Jalon Lossiah

Coach’s Award – Zack Strong

Varsity Girls Basketball

Offensive MVP – Avery Mintz

Defensive MVP – Kendall Toineeta

Coach’s Award – Elizabeth Wahnetah

Varsity Boys Basketball

Offensive MVP – Tsalidi Sequoyah

Defensive MVP – Seth Littlejohn

Coach’s Award – Taylor Toineeta

Varsity Wrestling

MVP – Cain Oocuuma and Colby Yanez

Coach’s Award – Wesley Long

Ladies Soccer

Offensive MVP – Avery Mintz

Defensive MVP – Taran Swimmer

Coach’s Award – Anna Cline

Mens Golf

MVP – Tagan Crowe

Coach’s Award – Jeremy Wolfe

Varsity Baseball

Offensive MVP – Corbin Wright

Defensive MVP – Taylor Toineeta

Coach’s Award – Gabe McMillan

Varsity Girls Track & Field

MVP Field – Hye Long

MVP Track – Kendall Toineeta

Coach’s Award – Miranda Smith

Varsity Boys Track & Field 

MVP Field – Dylan Saunooke

MVP Track – Gerald Mahan

Coach’s Award – Cole Wildcatt

Note: Awards for JV Softball and Varsity Softball had not been determined by the time of the banquet. 

     For more photos of this event, please visit the One Feather photo gallery at:

http://theonefeather.com/photo-galleries-2/

- Cherokee Booster Club

                MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Hannah Youngdeer, an EBCI tribal member and 2011 Cherokee High School graduate, is making quite a name for herself at Maryville College.  The freshman member of the Maryville Scots softball team has been named to the Great South Athletic Conference (GSAC) All-Conference team as an outfielder and named to the GSAC All-Freshman team. 

Former Lady Braves standout Hannah Youngdeer (right) has been named to the GSAC All-Conference and All-Freshman teams. (Photo courtesy of Carmen Davis)

               In addition, Youngdeer received the Most Valuable Offensive Player award for the Scots. 

                According to GSAC statistics, Youngdeer finished the season with a .391 batting average and scored eight runs, had 43 hits, nine doubles, two  triples and 23 RBIs.  Her slugging percentage was .509. 

                For the 2012 season, Maryville went 10-6 in the conference and 16-23 overall.  They finished third in the regular season conference standings and were the runner-up in the conference tournament losing in the championship game to Huntingdon 7-2.

     And, through the generosity of the Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation and the MedWest-Harris & Swain Foundation, a limited number of complimentary tickets for the event are available by visiting the Flourish Women’s Expo section of www.medwesthealth.org.
    

     The mission of the Flourish Women’s Expo, which drew hundreds of participants last year, is to promote women’s well-being by serving as an ongoing resource for physical, mental and spiritual health. The vision of the event is for women to join a sisterhood, embracing health for themselves and their families across their lifespan.
    

     “The ultimate purpose of the event is to let women know what’s available here in terms of healthcare and wellness,” said Jan Wilson, co-chairwoman of the event and wife of MedWest radiologist Dr. Al Wilson of Carolina West Radiology.
    

     The Flourish Women’s Expo will feature the following sessions:
        “Keep Your Breasts Their Best” presented by Martha Anderson, MD.
         “Love the Skin You’re In” presented by Currie Custer, MD.
        “Creativity and Aging” presented by Blythe S. Winchester, MD/MPH.
        “Finding Your Voice: How Creativity Leads to Better Health and Well-being” presented by Carmen Nations, MD.
        “Weight Management: Clearing the Confusion and Finding the Joy” presented by Drew McArthur MS, RD, LDN.
        “Begin Your Journey to Well-being” presented by Lillian Norris, RN, MSN, CPNP.
        “Keeping a Healthy Beat” presented by David W. Peterson, MD and Laura F. Verde, MD.
         “This Ain’t Your Momma’s Sex Talk” presented by Robin Matthews, MD and Heather Edwards, PT and Amy Parrish.
        “Better Communication for Better Health” presented by Glenda Sawyer, LCSW and Scott MacGregor.

     Specifically for teens, the Flourish Women’s Expo also will feature:
         “My Boyfriend’s Back…And I’m Scared: Healthy Dating and Avoiding Dating Violence,” presented by Buffy Queen, a certified Safe Dates teacher and community educator for REACH of Haywood, an area domestic violence/sexual assault/elder abuse prevention and intervention non-profit agency.
         “WYSIWYG, or What You See Is What You Get” presented by personal trainer Brooke Haynes and athletic trainer Angie Arndt.
       

     A “Meet the Doctors” mini-event at the expo will give participants the opportunity to meet local physicians in a non-clinical environment. About 20 physicians will participate in this one-hour session in the afternoon.
    

     Flourish Women’s Expo attendees also will have the opportunity to participate in specific medical screenings. Last year, about 400 screenings were performed at the event.
    

     Country music superstar and American icon Naomi Judd will give the keynote speech. While Judd will not be giving a musical performance, she will draw upon her experiences as a hepatitis C survivor and as a former registered nurse in her talk about the importance of women’s health and wellness.
    

     Kelly Swanson, a nationally known, award-winning storyteller, comedian, motivational speaker and author of Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale? will give a talk, as well.
    

     The Foundations of MedWest Health System, HRMC, MedWest-Harris and MedWest-Swain are presenting sponsors of the Flourish Women’s Expo. Lead sponsors are Carolina West Radiology and 21^st Century Oncology.
    

     Tickets to the all-day event are $45 and include access to speaking engagements, medical screenings, the “Meet the Doctors” mini-event, lunch with musical entertainment, and a pampering/relaxation area that includes massage therapists, make-up artists and chocolate samplings. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Flourish Women’s Expo section at www.MedWestHealth.com.

- MedWest Health

     Supported in part by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the Jackson County Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, this is the fascinating story of a young EBCI man’s rise from Indian boarding school, entry into and success in the world of professional wrestling, and finally becoming the elected leader of his band during a turbulent period in their history.

     Carden said,“Chief Osley Saunooke had a reputation for honesty and was quite popular all over WNC. Historical accounts say he was the most approachable, the most well known—and in terms of being chief and politics, he was the most amenable–he was totally in favor of tourism and development for the Cherokees.”

     In addition to Liars Bench regulars Gary Carden, host and storyteller; Lloyd Arneach, the Cherokee storyteller; Paul Iarussi, claw-hammer guitar specialist; William Ritter, vocalist and musician; and Karen Barnes; the May 17 performance will also feature Dave Waldrop singing home-spun vocals.

     Info:  Mountain Heritage Center (828) 227-7129

 - The Liars Bench