A big piece in the sustainability of the Tribe is laying out a plan for smart growth in the economy of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation.

James “Jim” Robert Smith, 85, of Cherokee, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Historically speaking, we will celebrate a “holiday” this weekend, and it is impossible to discuss it without speaking of faith; that being Easter.

It’s here! March Madness has begun. As usual I find myself in a quandary at this time.

By the time this edition hits the newsstands, we will be days away from the March 21 kick off to springtime.

“A Demand of Blood: The Cherokee War of 1776” (by Nadia Dean) is nothing more than a revision of former books, with added information from the Colonial records.

We are citizens of many jurisdictions. My blood and heritage make me a citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation.

Last time I was just getting into the flow but my article was deemed a lot too long and was cut into two parts.