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Tribal members asked to voice opinions on Kituwah

By Rose Hooper
What is to be done with the 309-acre tract of land called Ferguson Fields?

Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee who have a strong opinion about the propertyıs use can now voice their opinion publicly. The Tribal Planning Board will hold a series of three public meetings to receive input and ideas on the development of Ferguson Fields/Kituwah. Hearings will be held Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Tribal Council at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and will be televised on Cherokee Cablevision.

Back in May the planning board sponsored a series of hearings, generating 134 responses. Using the criteria of cultural integrity and significance, economic impact and employment, and environmental and flood issues, they narrowed the suggestions. The list included an Indian resort, golf course, train depot and cultural center. Other suggestions took a more naturalistic approach, including walking trails, mound restoration, native plant gardens and restoration of the original name.

Kituwah is the traditional and symbolic birthplace of the Cherokee people. Among many of the Cherokee it is a respected Indian burial ground.

Under former Principal Chief Joyce Duganıs leadership, the tribe purchased the property in 1996. The site, located 3 miles east of Bryson City, is next to the Tuckaseigee River and has been a dairy farm, tomato field and packing place, a corn field and even a grass airstrip operated by the late P.S. Ferguson.

"When the field was used to grow crops, early in the spring when the earth was first tilled, you could see Indians digging in the soil for artifacts," said a near-by resident. After the Feb. 9 public meetings, the Tribal Planning Board is expected to develop a resolution based on the suggestions received.

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