The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) has announced the resumption of construction on the new Cherokee County Clinic in North Carolina, US, after a brief delay.

The delay was said to be due to the discovery of the site’s intersection with the Trail of Tears corridor.

This satellite clinic is expected to serve enrolled members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in the region.

CIHA collaborated with officials and cultural experts to modify the project, ensuring the clinic's construction preserves the historical significance of the Trail of Tears.

With construction now in progress, the project is expected to take 13 months, with completion anticipated in October next year.

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority CEO Casey Cooper said: “One of the guiding principles that CIHA was founded on is Ni hi tsa tse li, or ‘it belongs to you.’ This reflects our commitment to remembering that Cherokee enjoy healthcare that was pre-purchased through treaties as recompense for the injustices of Indian policy.”

“Taking steps to ensure that this new clinic site was preserved, and its history maintained was necessary to ensure we not only serve as good stewards of our land, but to acknowledge our past and ensure it’s never repeated.”

The new facility is claimed to be three times larger than the existing clinic, featuring expanded services such as a dental suite, telemedicine capabilities, and a space for physical therapy.

The new clinic will also enhance CIHA's healthcare offerings significantly to address the growing needs of the Cherokee County community and uphold CIHA's mission to deliver high-quality, culturally informed healthcare to EBCI members.

Cherokee Indian Hospital Satellite Clinic manager Tina Lee said: “We’re thrilled to finally bring this vision to life.

“The new clinic will greatly enhance the services we can offer the Cherokee County community, and we are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding as we took the time needed to ensure the integrity of the project.”