The Kituwah mound, in the
center of the photo, once stood higher and was the foundation of a building
where a ceremonial leader tended to the sacred fire of the Cherokee. (File
photo)


By Will Chavez
Staff Writer 

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – All three federally recognized Cherokee tribes have objected to a power company’s plans to build an electricity substation close to the sacred site of Kituwah near Cherokee, N.C.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians owns the 309-acre site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Duke Energy plans to build a substation, or tie station, to move electricity from one point to another by increasing or decreasing voltage south of the site.

The EBCI Tribal Council approved a resolution on Feb. 4 opposing those plans. The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council’s Rules Committee passed a similar resolution on Feb. 9 supporting the “preservation and protection of the ancient Kituwah mound.” 

The CN resolution states: “Kituwah is the mother town of the Cherokee people and the most sacred site for all Cherokees no matter where they live, and the Cherokee Nation’s solemn responsibility and moral duty is to care for and protect the Kituwah site from further desecration and degradation by human agency in order to preserve the integrity of the most important site for the origination and continuation of Cherokee culture, heritage, history and identity.”

Principal Chief Chad Smith said Kituwah’s historic value is significant.

“We support the ongoing efforts by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and others to preserve this unique site, and encourage all parties involved, including Duke Energy, to work together closely to ensure that every appropriate measure is taken and all relevant regulations followed for the protection of the mound and surrounding property,” he said.



United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Chief George Wickliffe said the original town of Kituwah is not only sacred to the UKB but a traditional cultural property, too. The Keetoowah Cherokee religion and the Cherokee people’s origin are centered at Kituwah, he said.

“Kituwah is well documented as our Mother Town and due to its history, not only through such documentation, but orally and as a part of our religious tradition, is like the Garden of Eden to the Christian,” he said. 

Wickliffe said it is unfortunate Duke Energy did not notify the Keetoowah people of the plans taking place. Duke Energy representatives promised to forward maps and photos the UKB requested, but the tribe never received them, he said.

“We demand that Duke Energy comply with all federal laws and requirements which pertain to this project, as well as any other project in the future on land which was originally owned by and inhabited by the Cherokee people,” Wickliffe said. “We ask for Duke Energy to cease any work proceeding at the moment, comply with each requirement and send us copies of such reports, filings or any statements made by federal agencies stating that such compliance is not required.” 

The EBCI resolution states the impact of the station’s construction was never open to scrutiny by any of the interested parties, including the tribe. The EBCI attorney general has been asked to seek remedies to the situation, assess the tribe’s rights and work with county officials to halt construction until the state’s Public Utilities Commission can hear concerns. 

“Kituwah is the most important sacred site to the Cherokee people,” said EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks. “We purchased the site for the sole purpose of ensuring protection for future generations of Cherokees.” 

Kituwah is about nine miles from the EBCI boundary. Archeologists speculate the site has been inhabited for about 10,000 years.

After the EBCI purchased the land in 1997, a University of North Carolina group examined the mound and surrounding acreage. It found 15 burials and speculated there could be as many as 1,000 or more graves on the land. 

Reach Staff Writer Will Chavez at (918) 207-3961 or will-chavez@cherokee.org