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"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Origins Of The Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians

WUTC

Published October 13, 2022 at 4:09 PM EDT

The flag of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

How did the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians form in North Carolina, after the U.S. Military forcibly removed thousands of Cherokee from the Southeast to west of the Mississippi River in the 1800’s - what was known as “The Trail of Tears”?

Anita Finger-Smith is a researcher who specializes in the records of the Eastern Cherokee.

She is president and CEO of Cherokee Genealogy Services, licensed by the Eastern Band.

Next week, here in Chattanooga, Anita will be the next speaker in this fall’s Moccasin Bend Lecture Series from National Park Partners - on Monday at 7 PM at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater.

I spoke with her - and Tricia Mims, executive director of National Park Partners.