As we have mentioned before, public service in the elected seats of the Tribe is not a walk in the park. Elected officials can experience some of the worst criticism and must make some of the most heart-wrenching decisions on the Boundary.

It is the love of money that can actually set up a wrong relationship with money.

This commentary isn’t about the mythical creature from Tolkien stories but a landmark federal case that has adversely affected tribal communities for decades. 

It is true that all discipline is painful at the time, not joyful, but all who are to be trained by it, receive peace and righteousness. 

It is decision time on the Boundary. In just six months, we will select the leadership that will carry us into the future.

On April 14, it will have been four years since my son, Brad Allison, was killed in the line of duty in service to his community while employed by the Cherokee Department of Transportation. 

Our Tribe went through a very trying time a couple years ago, but I do believe, in my heart, that someday we will come back together and support each other and lift each other up.

Because we live here and are around it all the time, we take the natural beauty and untouched wilderness for granted.