After discussing the language of future signage for the area around Nikwasi mound at its August meeting, the Franklin Town Council voted to table approval until September. At a special called Sept. 19 meeting, the council approved the proposed language by a 5-1 vote.
In general, the proposed language originally focused on respect to not only the Cherokee culture but also more common-sense requests such as removing litter and walking on the mound, due to the detrimental effects of erosion caused by foot traffic.
During the August Town Council meeting, Town Attorney John Henning Jr. asked Nikwasi Initiative representatives Bob McCollum and Elaine Eisenbraun to phrase signage language in a way that requested respectful conduct rather that directing it. Henning’s comments reiterated the council’s stance in seeking recommended conduct at the mound rather than prohibitive language that might infringe upon anyone’s rights as citizens.
“One of my concerns is that we don’t limit access, as the [property] deed says,” said council member David Culpepper prior to the Sept. 19 vote.
Replied McCollum, “There are two elements shaping conduct at the mound by visitors. One is cultural; we have to respect their [Eastern Band of the Cherokee] rights for how they would like that approached. The other thing is our preservation responsibility. Erosion is the primary enemy … trying to prevent the destructive force from people being on the mound, as well intentioned as they may be.”
While Culpepper was the lone dissenting council vote, in the end, both parties accepted new signage language inviting visits to the Nikwasi mound, while also being respectful of the historically significant site.
A full plan for the future of Nikwasi mound and the surrounding site, to eventually become a cultural center in Franklin, is available for the public to read at https://www.noquisiinitiative.org/culturaldistrictplan.