Legislation is moving forward to transfer control of all or a portion of Jackson and Swain counties’ social services programs on the Cherokee reservation over to the tribe. Some tribal members had been trying to make the change for awhile, but it took a tragedy for people to take things seriously. In 2010, 15-month-old Aubrey Littlejohn was killed after county social workers had been warned by family members that she was in danger. Perhaps the reporter was trying to show bias, but from the information given, one gets the sense that the Eastern Band wants to be able to use discretion in protecting children from domestic violence; and the county is worried about clauses in contracts that will protect the financial bottom line.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger