Cherokee Tribes Unite in Opposition to Proposed Replacement Hospital Construction on Moccasin Bend

Unprecedented Unified Opposition

June 30, 2024: The three federally recognized Cherokee tribes have united in opposition to a proposed construction project on Moccasin Bend, a location of profound cultural and historical significance to the Cherokee people. This alignment was formalized through a joint resolution passed on June 20, which expressed their collective disapproval of any new building initiatives on this sacred land.

Sacred Tribal Grounds at Risk

Moccasin Bend, a substantial bend in the Tennessee River near Chattanooga, includes a multitude of prehistoric and historic sites of significant cultural importance to the Cherokee people and their predecessors in the region. The site of a proposed replacement for the state mental hospital, currently constituted as a 13-acre tract once occupied by the Winston Building, it has come under threat from commercial and institutional construction interests despite its cultural significance.

Threat to Cultural Heritage

The proposed construction of a replacement hospital on this historic site has sparked a strong reaction from the Cherokee tribes. Their joint resolution reveals their determination to protect their historical sites from further infringement and calls for the preservation of Moccasin Bend. Their endeavour serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities in the face of modern development.

Preservation of Sacred Sites

The tribes’ resolution signals a firm opposition to any future construction work at Moccasin Bend, urging for the site to be sustainably preserved in honor of its sacred significance to their people. The Cherokee tribes’ demands further encompass a broader, national respect for their ancestral lands and heritage.

Fight for Recognition and Respect

The Cherokee tribes’ stand underscores the ongoing struggle of Native American communities across the country to defend their ancestral lands and cultural heritage against encroaching development. It brings into focus the delicate balance between modernization and preserving the historical legacy of Indigenous cultures.

Calls for Action

The united opposition of the Cherokee tribes to the proposed construction project underscores their firm commitment to protecting sacred sites and preserving their cultural heritage. Their demonstration of unity serves as a call to action for other Native American tribes, communities, and government institutions, urging for respectful treatment of ancestral lands and acknowledgment of tribal sovereignty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cherokee tribes continue to stand firm in their opposition to any construction on Moccasin Bend, demonstrating their commitment to preserving and respecting the cultural heritage embedded in its grounds. As they continue their fight to protect Indigenous sacred sites, they call for societal and governmental acknowledgment and respect for their ancestral heritage.

© HERE News Network 2024