The rhetoric surrounding the proposed replacement of the 60-year-old Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute with a new facility constructed a few hundred yards away from the present one on the iconic Tennessee River peninsula continues to heat up as opponents and supporters of that site await an archaeological study to determine whether significant evidence of indigenous people exists there.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proposed in his 2021 budget plan to use part of the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan funds to build a $276 million mental health hospital in what would be one of the largest state building investments ever in Chattanooga. A resolution passed unanimously April 4 by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, based in Southwestern North Carolina, strongly opposes the proposed replacement hospital.
“The tribe opposes new construction activities on the Tennessee River peninsula, known as Moccasin Bend in Hamilton County, Tennessee,” according to the resolution text read into the record at the April meeting, according to a meeting video. “Be it further resolved that the tribe supports efforts to preserve Moccasin Bend’s, natural, historic and cultural resources. Be it finally resolved that all, prior resolutions that are inconsistent with this resolution are rescinded, and this resolution shall become effective when ratified by the principal chief.”
During the meeting, the Eastern Band’s principal chief, Michell Hicks, said the resolution fully spells out the tribe’s opposition to a new facility on the bend that is joined by a former Tennessee congressman closely linked to Moccasin bend’s preservation.