United Keetoowah Band 
of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma 
P.O. Box 746 • Tahlequah, OK 
2450 S. Muskogee. Tahlequah, OK 
www.ukb-nsn.gov 


George Wickliffe 
Chief 
Date: February 4, 2010 
To: Whom it may concern 

The original townsite of Kituwah, and unfortunately, what little that 
remains of it, is not only a Sacred spot to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, but a Traditional Cultural Property as well. 

Kituwah is well documented as our Mother Town and due to its history, not only through such documentation, but orally and as a part of our religious tradition, is like the Garden of Eden to the Christians. Due to its continued use as a ceremonial site, it is like the Vatican to the Catholics. And as the only federally-recognized tribe which retains the name "Keetoowah" [sic], it is to the United Keetoowah Band like Washington D.C. is to the Americans. 

Keetoowah Cherokee religion, and origin as a people, are centered around the townsite of Kituwah. The particular parcel which has been able to be purchased by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is not the 'city limits' so to speak, of Kituwah. Not only did the town itself exist as a much larger tract, but many of the surrounding sites and geography are integral to Kituwah yesterday, as well as today. Not only can one see Clingman's Dome, where the Creator gave our wise men the Sacred Fire which they carried back to Kituwah, but also earthly elements between Kituwah and the heavens, which are part of our religious ceremonies 
today. The View Shed is all part of that religious tradition and ceremony. 

It is unfortunate that Duke Energy has not notified the Keetoowah people of any of the plans that are taking place, or will take place, at and near Kituwah. Our office of Tribal Historic Preservation has spoken to representatives from Duke Energy who stated that there are no federal implications with the project, therefore, they did not prepare any federal documents to share with us. This is questionable, as Duke Energy is a Federally-funded company and all projects utilizing this money, no matter the status of the land itself, are subject to Section 106. The project is also subject to EPA reviews, as well. We have seen none of this, let alone even 
been notified of the activity. The representative from Duke Energy promised to forward maps and photos we requested during our phone conversation, but we have yet to receive them. 

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma is strongly and adamantly against the construction of any such power facility near Kituwah, or in its view shed for not only historic, but cultural and religious reasons. We demand that Duke Energy comply with all Federal laws and requirements which pertain to this project, as well as any other project in the future on land which was originally owned by and inhabited by the Cherokee people. We ask for Duke Energy to cease any work proceeding at the moment, and to comply with each requirement, and to send us copies of such reports, filings, or any statements made by Federal agencies stating that such compliance is not required, should this be the 
case. 

On behalf of the Keetoowah Cherokee people,
Chief George Wickliffe