Franklin Town Council Transfers Ownership of the Nikwasi Mound to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Franklin Town Council Transfers Ownership of the Nikwasi Mound to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians | Macon Media


This is a segment from the January 2026 meeting of the Franklin Town Council. It was published yesterday for Facebook subscribers.

Speakers, Topics, and Executive Summary

Mayor’s historical remarks (Item 9E): (a timeline follows the article)

The mayor (Stacy Guffey) provided a historical background: Cherokee land preserves in 1819 were not honored by North Carolina, families were removed by the North Carolina militia, and the mound passed through private hands. In 1946, locals (including school children collecting pennies) raised money to save it from demolition. He says returning the mound to the Eastern Band is “long overdue” and “the right thing to do.”

Town Attorney explains legal process:

The attorney (John Henning, Jr) reviewed how the town held title from 1946 to 2019, then transferred it to the Nikwasi Initiative nonprofit under state law requiring preservation and public access. The next step (to the tribe) keeps those protections but removes nonprofit-specific rules.

Introduction of guests:

Bob McCollum (Nikwasi Iniative) introduced Nikwasi Initiative board members, staff, and Eastern Band representatives present in the room. McCollum then urged the town council to close the 80-year circle and set a national example.

Elaine Eisenbraun (Executive Director) thanks the council for helping “bring the mound home,” stresses building bridges between communities, and asks for record clarification that the Initiative is released from old nonprofit obligations. She introduced Amber Allen, the Project Coordinator for the Nikwasi Initiative.

Amber (staff project coordinator and enrolled Cherokee member) shared her excitement about the partnership, future education efforts, and bringing more people to learn the mound’s history.

Mayor Guffey then shared an anecdote to reinforce the idea that settlers and the Cherokee here were "all mountain people." He then read the full resolution for Item 9E:

The resolution formally endorses the transfer to the Eastern Band, notes preservation and public access will continue, and authorizes officials to execute needed documents.

Attorney John Henning, Jr, addressed preservation agreement concerns:

He confirmed the tribe’s legal team edited the agreement to remove nonprofit-only clauses while keeping core protections intact. Council discussion and vote on Item 9E:

Brief discussion (none opposing). Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Transition to Item 9F:

The mayor introduced the second resolution to honor the 1946 citizens who saved the mound.

Council member Rita Salain read the full resolution for Item 9F:

It details the 1946 fundraising effort, names key people, thanks school children and the town for 80 years of stewardship, and commits to future commemoration of the town’s role.

Minor correction and thanks:

A small historical name correction was then confirmed. The mayor thanked John deVille, the local historical society director, for research. Council vote on Item 9F:

Motion made (with a suggestion to add the exact 1946 transfer date), seconded, and the resolution passes (vote not detailed further in transcript, but no opposition noted).

The Town Council and visitors from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians then posed for photographs.

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Published at 11.49am on Wednesday, January 07, 2026
Author: Bobby Coggins