Tribal representatives address Sheffield leaders regarding Tuscumbia Landing
SHEFFIELD – The city’s Port Authority, which has oversight of the important Tuscumbia Landing on the shore of the Tennessee River, held a quickly organized meeting Thursday to discuss a development plan from several American Indian tribes. Among the tribes interested in developing the last remaining embarcation point of the infamous Trail of Tears are the Poarch Creek, the Thropthlocco Creek, and the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.
Representatives from the tribes met with Port Authority members and the Sheffield City Council to inform them that the possibility existed for grant money to develop the historic site. The money comes from a fund put in place by tribes to preserve historic sites. In order to get this funding, a $3-million grant, the collected parties had to move quickly. Preliminary plans have to be submitted by March of this year, Porch Creek former Chairman, Eddie Tullis explained. Tullis explained that the tribes are interested in the Sheffield land so that people from all over could come here and learn more about Indian history in North America.
The idea is to take Tuscumbia Landing, and possibly City Park West and develop it into a cultural and history center. For the first time in over 20 years, it appears that an organization (that actually had the wherewithal to do so) was looking into putting some money into the City.
Max Trickey, Treasurer of Thropthlocco Creek Business Committee
But the devil is in the details, and this plan, which came about in the last week or so, has a lot of questions to be answered. One of the first things mentioned was that the development, if it is worked out, would not include the construction of a gambling casino. In the Port Authority’s charter, gambling establishments are strictly forbidden. There was the discussion dealing with grave sites which are known to be on the property. A thorough survey will have to be completed, and to do that, the City will have to use its resources to clear most of the underbrush in City Park West. And that costs money. Then there was the actual nature of the project, which is only just now being formulated.
So there is much work to be done, and much negotiation. One point of negotiation, is whether or not City Park West should be deeded to the Indians. Port Authority Board member, Mike Johnson noted that this is the last remaining property in the City that can be used for a passive park. Ceding it to the Indians would severely limit the possibilities to the City for this last remaining parcel.
At this very early point in the negotiations, however, nothing is written in concrete. The public will simply have to wait and see what comes of this series of meetings.
Here is the text of the introductory letter to City leaders from the Indian representatives:
“To the Honorable Mayor Ian Sanford, the Sheffield Councilmen and the Port Authority at Tuscumbia Landing.
January 22, 2015
It is an honor to be the first group of federally recognized tribes to address the opportunity of receiving
land on the Tennessee River. This would be Tuscumbia Landing and Park West, about 60-70 acres This
site is where Indian tribes were forcibly removed in the 1830’s.
Tribal delegates were chosen to evaluate this opportunity. Our tribes are very pragmatic and tribal
funds are committed for years to benefit our people. It’s easy to say “no,” so we came to Tuscumbia
Landing. We see this project as a difficult project in a remote location without strong support of local
and state tourism. Last week a one-time opportunity for a $3million dollar grant arrived. It was pointed
at Alabama and made a difference. Three tribes today are interested but require a minimum of five to
form a non-profit to received donations. It would be easier to do with well-qualified tribal people.
We plan to form a 7-member board to replace the ones chosen today. Their first objective would be to
apply for major financing. Winning would bring funds to plan a strong educational project and advisors
to find other financing. There would be money to reach other migrating tribes to consider a
conglomerate or stay with tribal members. The grant application would require the City of Sheffield to
sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with two conditions to show good faith.
- Sheffield would give title to Park West and Tuscumbia Landing. There has been little success in
thirty years to establish the Park. If the tribes are to be a non-profit to accept tax exempt
donations, a casino isn’t allowed and in-case of bankruptcy, the monies return to some federal
entity and the land and structures to City of Sheffield. Sheffield can’t lose on allowing the tribes
to raise millions of dollars to build the facilility. - Sheffield is asked to begin immediately to clear Park West of underbrush. Evidence of burials
have been found the entire length of the property. The ease at finding burials suggest the
underbrush hides more. As soon as the grant has been awarded and the City transfers title to
Park West, surveying would begin promptly. The tribes would pay for this. We don’t understand
why the City would want to build a recreational area over sacred land and cemetery instead of
closer to Central Sheffield.
The $3 million grant is a key and results should be known by summer time. Failure may not be death if
we have chosen a strong tribal board. Thank you for the opportunity.
Respectively Submitted,
Eddie Tullis, Poarch Creek, former Chairman
Robert Thrower, Poarch Creek THPO.
Charles Coleman, THPO, Thropthlocco Creek
Max Trickey, Treasurer of Thropthlocco Creek Business Committee
Roy Hamilton, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.”
