By Will Chavez
Staff Writer 

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Chiefs from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the United Keetoowah Band met with Duke Energy officials on Feb. 17 in Cherokee, N.C., regarding a substation being built near the Kituwah mound.

Duke Energy President Brett Carter listened to concerns from both tribes regarding the substation’s impact on the Kituwah site, which many people consider to be the Cherokee mother town.

The station is being built in a mountainous area, owned by the power company, near the Tuckasegee River and above the Kituwah site, which the EBCI owns.

Duke Energy spokesman Jason Walls said grading of the site continues, but no substation equipment has been placed.

“We had already started grading, so we just couldn’t abandon the site and just leave,” Walls said. 

Duke Energy purchased 35 acres of land for the substation or tie station, but only 15 acres is being cleared, which includes an access road, Walls said.

During the Feb. 17 meeting, Cherokee leaders emphasized that Kituwah is regarded as the most sacred site still in existence for the Cherokee people. 

“It is like the Vatican to the Catholic or the Garden of Eden to the Christian,” said UKB Chief George Wickliffe.

Wickliffe said the proposed station site is part of the original town where the Creator first gave the religious fire and instructions to the Cherokee people. 

“The United Keetoowah Band claims the entire area of Kituwah to be traditional cultural property and recognizes it is still used for religious purposes today,” he said. “We realize the tie station is necessary, but not right there.”

EBCI Principal Chief Michell Hicks said his tribe’s primary concern is that discussion between the tribes and the power company was not held prior to the tie station project. During the meeting, Duke Energy leaders acknowledged they had not approached the project with due diligence in regards to the federally recognized Cherokee tribes, but assured tribal leaders that they would maintain an open line of communication with both tribes.

Walls said the meeting allowed for both sides to learn from one another. He said Duke Energy officials informed tribal officials about the need to upgrade existing area power lines and learned about the significance of the Kituwah site. 

“We certainly left that meeting with a commitment to the folks in attendance that we would look at additional options that we may be able to take advantage of to further mitigate the visual impact of the substation,” he said. 

At the meeting, Duke Energy staff presented the plan for its 300-foot-by-300-foot square tie station with 40-foot towers and offered mitigation plans, such as using dark metal and planting natural vegetation, to minimize the negative impact that’s concerning tribal leaders.

“I am confident that Mr. Carter is fully aware of our concerns and that together we can work toward a resolution which protects the integrity of this site while meeting the need for energy in the region. Kituwah is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and considerations for its protection are paramount for both Swain County and the tribe,” Hicks said.

EBCI leaders said they expect to work with Duke Energy on solutions agreeable to both interests.

No CN officials attended the Feb. 17 meeting, but Principal Chief Chad Smith said the CN was not asked to attend and believes it is appropriate for the EBCI to lead in preserving Kituwah. 

“We’re confident that the EBCI can protect the interests of all Cherokees as it relates to the Kituwah,” Smith said. “We are confident that EBCI conveyed to Duke Energy that the Cherokee Nation is united with them on this issue.”

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