Historical Grief and Trauma Loss of Land---Some 6000 people removed from there land, Language---Our Heritage, Identity---The N.P. Attempted to erase our very existence, Culture--- The way we lived, Spiritual Belief---Trust, Family Values---N.P.S. moved Swain Co. citizens out and attempted to erase family roots. ..(1943 Agreement) If Contract is not altered the four parties do not have to agree on anything else. If the contract is altered then and only then do the four parties have to agree on the new contract. Cemeteries 1931 Park will provide access to cemeteries and keep them cleaned off and allow others to be buried there. November 15, 1949 President H.S. Truman approved the transfer of 44,170 acres. This was in keeping with the agreement between T.V.A— North Carolina --- Swain County ---and the NPS dated July 30, 1943. U.S. Department of Interior 1942 said the Deals Gap Bryson City section is a important link in the around the park road and is part of the master plan for the development of the Park. Park Director September 15, 1942 said the Park Road would provide access in the Park which would help fight forest fires if occurred. U.S. Department of Interior October 5, 1942 the National Park will agree to use all diligent efforts to secure funds and honor the 1943 agreement (or road) U.S Department of Interior 1942, from the director of the National Park, I visited Fontana Lake and the lake would make an attractive addition to the Park Road. Money appropriated for park road ----l953---1959---1967 but the money was frozen later diverted to other National Parks. In 1967 Secretary of Interior had money appropriated by Congress for North Shore Road . He said there is inadequate access to the southern portion of the Park which is in Swain County . The area is rich for outdoor recreation and at the same time provides important economic benefits to Swain County , the Secretary said. President of Government Services Inc. made this statement a road from Fontana to Bryson City will be completed within two years, dated 1946. In November 17, 2002 Secretary of Interior Gale Norton said we need to take care of our N.P. Responsibilities.

I see the demands to "visit the graves of our ancestors" by supporters of the road as totally bogus. This is only a minority practice, a diminishing practice among a few older people in the western part of NC and not a practice deeply rooted in either religion or culture. These demands are nothing more than a ploy to get the road built.

(letter)… the construction of Fontana Dam necessitates the flooding of the road leading to the Proctor Cemetery located in Swain County , North Carolina , and to reach the cemetery in the future, it will be necessary to walk a considerable distance until a road is constructed in the vicinity of the cemetery, which is proposed to be completed after the war has ended. We are informed that you are the nearest surviving relative of the deceased who is buried in this cemetery.