Tuskeegee resident worked to preserve EBCI heritage
Tuskeegee – No matter what role T.J. Holland filled, he always had Cherokee heritage as his motivation.
The beloved member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians passed away Saturday following an accident at a residence on Upper Tuskeegee Road. He was just 44.
Officials are still trying to piece together the details surrounding the accident, but members of the Stecoah Fire & Rescue Squad as well as Graham County EMS personnel were dispatched around 12:30 p.m. Sources say a downed power line – possibly caused by a fallen tree that broke a power pole – started a fire in the yard. It is believed that Holland came into contact with a truck, which was in contact with the power line.
At the time of his passing, Holland was the cultural resources supervisor/Junaluska Museum manager for the tribe.
However, that hardly scratches the surface on the various positions Holland held over the years. His obituary lists his past duties as serving on the Tribal & Medical Institutional Review Boards, Tribal Historic Properties & Preservation Committee, N.C. Trail of Tears Association, Western Carolina University Center for Native Health, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Western Carolina University Cherokee Studies Program and Snowbird Fading Voices Committee. He also collaborated with the Smithsonian Institute to document Cherokee history.
His wide range of knowledge also drew visitors to his "Cultural Conversations" classes, which were held at the Snowbird Community Library.
"We are mourning the loss of a great friend, colleague, mentor and an all-around humble human being," the library said in a statement issued Monday on Facebook. "T.J. Holland was nothing short of an expert on Cherokee history and culture. Whether he was discussing the legends of Uktena, or the various U.S. military forts around western North Carolina, or a rock concert from his past … T.J. captivated you with the knowledge that he possessed.
"When he spoke (albeit very softly), you listened. He was an incredible asset not only to our Snowbird community, but to Graham County and to the entire Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians."
Richard Sneed, principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, also offered tribute and thanks for the work Holland did in his life.
"Today, we have lost a tribal treasure," Sneed said Saturday afternoon on Facebook. "T.J. embodied and personified the highest values and character of the Cherokee people.
"We will miss you, my friend."