Aldermen pass resolution reaffirming ownership of Nikwasi, willing to work with tribe on maintenance

During the October 6, 2014 meeting of the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen, the board passed a resolution reaffirming the ownership of the Nikwasi Mound and their desire to preserve it according to the deed for the citizens of the Town of Franklin and Macon County.

Here is a short video of the Mayor reading the resolution into the record and the 5-0 vote of the Aldermen approving it:



Here is the resolution:

WHEREAS, the ownership of the Nikwasi Mound shall remain with the Town of Franklin.


WHEREAS, the deed to Nikwasi Mound as written and recorded in October 1946 shall remain with the Town of Franklin and shall be preserved for the citizens of the Town of Franklin and Macon County.


WHEREAS, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has requested the Town of Franklin to allow them to maintain the mound.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen that the board is open to discussion of maintenance of Nikwasi Mound by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Town Board of Aldermen is honoring the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians offer of assistance of maintenance of Nikwasi Mound.

BACKGROUND

Here is a copy of the deed to Nikwasi (recorded 68 years ago today):

Deed to Nikwasi

The tribe has been attempting to gain ownership of the mound for about three years now, and here are a few links to what has happened during the course of this local saga:

Franklin Town Board of Aldermen Meeting 10-03-2011 


Franklin Aldermen React to Article in Smoky Mountain News 

Franklin Aldermen 06-07-2012 

Franklin Town Board of Aldermen 08-06-2012: Updated with Audio 

Chief Hicks at the June 2013 Hall Mountain celebration where the tribe purchased the Cowee Mound:




Macon County Commissioners 08-13-2013: Updated With Video 

Chief Hicks and members of the tribe address the town board on the mound in March 2014:



The tribe has also recently passed a resolution that stated their unhappiness with the way the mound has been cared for and accused the town of "significant disrespect." read more about that at the WFSC-AM website.