To the Editor:

I am a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee who has not lived in Cherokee since 2006. I now live in northwest Montana but am hoping the new leadership in Cherokee will bring transparency into Tribal government.

I appreciated your article about openness in Cherokee in last week’s edition.

I grew up in Cherokee and have been proud to be Tribal member. I moved home in 2006, and I bought a cabin in the woods off the main road. I went to work for the casino, and when I wasn’t working I stayed home, sewed and made jewelry. My motto was, “hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil!” Know that what you say in any small community can be misinterpreted, especially when you’re related to half the people there. Just wanted to count my blessings and enjoy my semi-retirement.

I am an advocate for animal rights and found out there is still a bear concession in Cherokee. Thought when PETA came in they shut them all down? Found out there is the “Cherokee Bear Zoo,” with the bears living in concrete pits. I am horrified and ashamed as a Tribal member. This is not part of our culture.

I have been blessed in my professional life working for the federal government and have visited tribes and tribal communities all over the U.S. in my position as a project specialist. I have never heard of another tribe or community that supported this kind of facility that houses wild animals. I am ashamed and embarrassed for my tribe.

Ann Sneed

Montana