The third annual Rooted in the Mountains symposium at Western Carolina University will be held from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at A.K. Hinds University Center.

Rooted in the Mountains is designed to raise awareness of the intersection of health, language, environmental and indigenous issues with the stewardship of Appalachia and its resources.

Organizers encourage those interested in the effects of continued destruction of mountain landscapes and learning more about the native ways of understanding these issues to attend.

Presentations include movies, speakers, discussions and concerts, with topics ranging from the human connection to the land to Cherokee language. Several programs this year have a focus on Cherokee issues.

Early registration is available through Sept. 28 for $75 and then increases to $125. Registration is available online. rootedinthemtns.wcu.edu or 828.227.3926.