We just finished up the Tribal Council and School Board debates for the 2021 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians election cycle. The candidate turnout was extraordinary with 82 percent of the Tribal Council candidates showing up for debate and 100 percent of the School Board candidates in attendance. On behalf of the One Feather, I want to thank each candidate that took the time to meet with us to share their vision for our people and our kids.

Long walks by crystal clear creeks, jaunts up mountains, or a driveway on the parkway. It is rare to have this type of nature on your doorstep. That is why it is so disappointing when too often we kick aside burger wrappers on the way out of our doors.

Cherokee is not a family friendly tourist destination any longer.