Franklin, NC - In a landmark decision, the town of Franklin, North Carolina, is set to return a significant cultural site, the Noquisiyi Mound, to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The Franklin City Council unanimously voted on Monday to return the land, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing Land Back movement and a step towards reconciliation.
The Noquisiyi Mound, also known as "star place," holds immense religious and historical importance for the Cherokee people. It is considered the largest unexcavated mound in the Southeast and was part of a network of earthen mounds that served as the heart of the Cherokee civilization centuries before the United States was founded. For generations, Noquisiyi has been a place of protection and spiritual significance. However, for approximately 200 years, the mound was under the control of private owners or the town itself.
Michell Hicks, the principal chief of the EBCI, expressed his gratitude to the town of Franklin for understanding the importance of returning such culturally and traditionally significant areas to the tribe. He emphasized that these sites are integral to the Cherokee identity and beliefs and should rightfully be in the hands of the tribe.
The return of Noquisiyi is particularly meaningful as the EBCI works to establish a cultural corridor of significant sites stretching from Georgia to the Qualla Boundary, the tribe's reservation. The tribe already owns the Cowee Mound, located a few miles from Noquisiyi. In previous years, the EBCI has also acquired other sacred sites such as Nikwasi Mound, Cowee, Kituwah mounds and Tallulah mound. Furthermore, the EBCI also owns, holds, or maintains additional lands in the vicinity, and as far away as 100 miles from the Qualla Boundary.
The next step in the process involves the EBCI Tribal Council agreeing to take control of the land, which will then initiate the legal transfer of the title. Elaine Eisenbraun, executive director of the Noquisiyi Initiative, a nonprofit that has managed the site since 2019, has been working closely with the town's mayor for several years to facilitate the return.
Jordan Oocumma, the groundskeeper of the mound and the first enrolled member of the tribe to caretake the mound since the forced removal, highlights the profound significance of this event. Angelina Jumper, a citizen of the tribe and a Noquisiyi Initiative board member, spoke at the city council meeting, articulating the gravity of having a mound site of such significance, still standing as tall as it was centuries ago, returned to its rightful owners.
Franklin's Mayor, Stacey Guffey, emphasized that honoring the living culture of the Cherokee people is essential to preserving the character of the mountain community. He stated that the Land Back movement is not about historical artifacts but about recognizing the rights and heritage of a living people.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are descendants of the Cherokees who remained in the Eastern United States after the Indian Removal Act of the 1830s, which forcibly moved approximately 15,000 Cherokees west of the Mississippi River. Those who remained had to give up tribal citizenship and assimilate, but they later regained tribal rights in the 20th century. The EBCI was federally recognized in 1868.
The return of the Noquisiyi Mound represents more than just the transfer of land; it symbolizes respect, healing, and a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
