Title
A JOINT COUNCIL RESOLUTION WHERE THE EASTERN BAND REQUESTS CHEROKEE NATION SUPPORT REGARDING MACON COUNTY AIRPORT
Body
WHEREAS, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation have exercised the sovereign rights of self-governance on behalf of the Cherokee People since time immemorial; and
WHEREAS, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation have gathered here today at the Red Clay Council Ground to discuss issues of mutual importance for all Cherokee people; and
WHEREAS,preserving the resting places of our ancestors is one of the most important duties of the living; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration has decided to fund a project to expand the runway at the Macon County Airport, in Macon County, NC; and
WHEREAS, such expansion will adversely impact the culturally and historically important Cherokee Middle Town of lotla; and
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Middle Town of Iotla has not been excavated and countless artifacts, history and cultural knowledge will be forever lost; and
WHEREAS, the proposed expansion will disturb countless graves of our Cherokee ancestors; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Joint Council assembled. at which a quorum is present, that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation hereby openly oppose the expansion of Macon County Airport runway.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation publically proclaim that we will continue to join efforts in protecting Cherokee sites, both culturally and historically, from adverse impacts, for the betterment of future generations of Cherokees so they may recognize the rich cultural heritage that is theirs by birth right.
Submitted by: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council