A sign welcomes people to the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Photo by Sogospelman / Wikimedia Commons
Robert Jumper, the editor of The Cherokee One Feather, explains why members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina should exercise their right to vote:
Not so long ago, the Native voices of America were silenced in the forum that it mattered most, governmental elections. Much is made in our culture of honoring the efforts and traditions of the past. Our grandparents and great-grandparents suffered in order that we could have sovereignty and freedom. They fought for our right to participate in those elections and have a say in any leadership that might have an impact on Native lives. . . . Cherokee people are impacted by what other municipalities, state and federal government officials do. Inter-governmental relationships matter because not only do the municipalities adjoining the Qualla Boundary have impact on tribal members, but tribal members are scattered across the U.S. in other jurisdictions. How much passion and emotion have we experienced over Nikwasi Mound, the disinterment of ancestral remains at construction sites in the Southeast, and hundreds of day-to-day taxation and property rights issues for those living off-Boundary? From land use privileges to abuse of Native identity in sports mascots to the right to establish casino gaming, who we vote for and how we vote on issues affects Cherokee lives and families. Cherokee votes count. Cherokee votes have impact.Get the Story:
EDITORIAL: Your vote is powerful and needed (The Cherokee One Feather 3/3)
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