Scrutinize reasons for poverty

I am an enrolled Cherokee Nation citizen, but have never lived on Cherokee land. My father worked for the BIA, and we lived on various reservations all my life, but never on Cherokee land. I am not a full blood either, but I was interested in Staff Writer Will Chavez’s article on poor Cherokees, partly due to his repeated references to full bloods living in poverty.

I was wondering if there is a perception that full bloods are more deserving of assistance than other tribal citizens, or if he is stating that there is something inherent in full bloods that make them more reluctant to ask for help from the tribe.

I am always astounded by the amounts of money the CN brings in, as outlined in the yearly report, and the constant reports of poverty. It seems that the Cherokee people should be prospering individually, as well as collectively, and if this is not happening, intense scrutiny should be brought to bear on the reasons why and solutions reached and enacted.

I work for a Native organization in the Pacific Northwest, and we serve over 300 tribes. I have noticed that in several of the local tribes, quality of life is an extremely important concern for their leaders. I would hope that your observations may be able to shine some light and generate some positive action by the CN leaders on the behalf of their poorest.

Ellen M. Goss
Portland, Ore.