Janell Rattler
Snowbird – A familiar face to many in Graham County will be rejoining the Cherokee Preservation Foundation Board of Directors.
On March 5, the office of Gov. Roy Cooper announced that Janell Rattler would be reappointed as a member-at-large of the board.
Rattler – who is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – previously served on the board form 2006-2017.
She was initially appointed by former Chief Michell Hicks, following the death of Jim Bowman.
“I’m very happy that I’m back on the board,” Rattler said.
She said that she hoped she would be able to bring more aid and awareness to Cherokee cultural resources in Graham County, including language courses, arts and crafts and the Junaluska Memorial and Museum, including Junaluska’s grave.
“It just gives to so many areas of Western North Carolina and supports leadership programs,” Rattler said. “We also try to support new businesses and programs on the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina.”
Rattler serves as the tribe’s senior games coordinator and recreation aide.
The council includes two language consultants, two business owners, a county commissioner, an EBCI Tribal Council Member, and the Principal Chief. Only Cooper or Principal Chief Richard Sneed have the authority to appoint members to the council.
In addition to Rattler, Cooper also appointed real estate broker and volunteer youth sports coach Ty Bushyhead Boyd; Cherokee Elementary School teaching assistant and traditional basket weaver Louise Goings; and Cherokee High School Principal Debora K. Forest to the council.
All three reside in Cherokee.
In the past decade, the foundation has supported Cherokee and western North Carolina causes to the tune of $166 million.