Franklin leaders OK transfer of ownership of Cherokee historic site to Nikwasi Initiative

FRANKLIN, N.C. (WLOS) — Franklin Town Council voted Monday night to approve the transfer on the ownership of a historic site known as the Nikwasi mound.

The mound is a special gathering place to the Cherokee. The tribe lost control of it 200 years ago in a broken treaty.

In 1946, Franklin residents and kids raised money and saved it from development.

In 2019, the vice mayor and a majority of the town board have agreed to consider deeding the mound to the nonprofit Nikwasi Initiative as a compromise between the town and the Cherokee.

They voted unanimously to make that happen Monday night, despite several residents being opposed to it.

"The Nikwasi mound is not yours to give away. It is ours for you to have and to hold in trust for us, and we beseech you to do your ethical duty," said Betty Wallace, resident.

People in Franklin, like Melissa Callahan Hall, said they’ve been kept in the dark about what the initiative would do.

"We would just like more time. We would like them to prove themselves. We would like them to show that they are who they say, and what they’re gonna be, and that they’re not just a flash in the pan and they’re gonna be here before we sign something over," said resident Melissa Callahan Hall.

Click here to learn more about the Nikwasi Initiative.

After the vote Monday, we spoke with one of the board members of the Nikwasi Initiative, Bob McCollum.

"I'm glad we got a unanimous vote from the board. Many eyes are on us locally and nationally," said McCollum. "It shows the willingness from the town after 73 years in possession of the deed they're willing to let other people come to the table."

Looking ahead, members of the initiative will have to plan a signing event where the deed will be officially transferred.