Indian Mounds in North Carolina?

Of the state’s 65,000 archeological sites, only 53 are Indigenous mounds, while most are privately owned. NC Local takes a closer look.

When the Eastern Band of Cherokee last month received the deed to Noquisiyi Mound – a nearly 1,000-year-old mound in Macon County – they made history. The sacred space is one of only a few mounds officially returned to an Indigenous tribe in the country – and the first ever in North Carolina. The Eastern Band (EBCI) is the only tribe in the state that owns Indigenous mounds that were built by their ancestors, according to the state archeology office.

“There were many, many more, but they were eroded over time by natural causes or destroyed by humans,” Dylan Clark, deputy state archaeologist for North Carolina, said. Clark said the number of sites changes all the time as more sites are registered.

 READ: https://www.whqr.org/local/2026-03-23/there-are-dozens-of-indigenous-mounds-in-north-carolina-why-do-tribes-only-own-a-few

North Carolina: OBC ACCESS

Johnston County Adoptees To Access Birth Records Locally In 2026

• January 1, 2026

SMITHFIELD, NC – Beginning January 1, 2026, individuals who were adopted and born in Johnston County will be able to obtain certified copies of their adoptive birth certificates directly from the Johnston County Register of Deeds Office, marking a significant change in access to vital records.

The change comes as a result of Senate Bill 248, Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted, recently enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly. The legislation authorizes Registers of Deeds offices across the state to issue certified copies of adoptive birth certificates, a service previously available only through the North Carolina Office of Vital Records.

Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive (photo) said the new law gives adoptees the same level of access to their records as other county residents.

“This new law is a big win for adoptees and provides equal access to their vital records,” Olive said. “It will be a much easier, faster and less expensive process for those who have been adopted to retrieve certified copies of their birth certificates from our office rather than going through the state.”

Prior to the law’s passage, adoptees were required to request their birth certificates from the state office, often resulting in longer wait times and additional costs. Olive credited advocates and lawmakers who worked to make the change possible.

“We appreciate everyone who lobbied for this change and look forward to offering this service locally in our office,” he said.

Officials emphasized that the law does not alter privacy protections surrounding adoption records. Original birth certificates issued prior to adoption, as well as all related adoption records, will remain sealed and unavailable for public inspection.

Access to adoptive birth certificates will be limited to the adoptee and certain family members, including adopted parents, adopted siblings, spouses, children and grandchildren. Proof of relationship will be required at the time of request.

The Johnston County Register of Deeds Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Olive encouraged eligible residents to visit the office once the law takes effect.

“As always, my doors are open, and I look forward to serving all citizens of our great county,” he said.

SOURCE 

Major Declaration for North Carolina, Eastern Cherokee | California's Seven Tribal Bills

 National Native News

Flooding in North Carolina following Tropical Storm Helene. (Courtesy Sgt. 1st Class Leticia Samuels / North Carolina National Guard)

Over the weekend, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for North Carolina, including for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, to help people access funds and resources to recover from Hurricane Helene.

The funds are available for essential items like food and water, repairs, or a temporary place to stay.

In preparation for the storm, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians declared a state of emergency last week.

The tribe still plans to hold its Cherokee Indian Fair this week.

In a statement issued by tribal leaders, they said they’re moving forward with the fair with a deep understanding of the devastation caused by the hurricane to surrounding areas.

They said the fair represents a time to gather, reconnect, and strengthen bonds.

The tribe will gather supplies during the fair to help those in need.

VIMEO:  https://ebci.com/live-streams/

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(Courtesy Asm. James Ramos / Facebook)

On Friday, California Native American Day, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed seven tribal bills.

The bills introduced by Assemblymember James Ramos (Serrano/Cahuilla/D-CA) include protections for the Indian Child Welfare Act, strengthens the Feather Alert for missing Indigenous persons, and requires schools to teach about the impacts of Missions and the Gold Rush.

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